North Columbus News

The Buckeye Current electric motorcycle team from The Ohio State University has set four new world records at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials held at the Utah Salt Flats. The student-led team, known for building the world's fastest electric motorcycles, faced numerous challenges including a pop-up thunderstorm, a malfunctioning battery charger, a failed battery module, and a burnt-up motor.

“It was awesome to see that the team never gave up and then it all paid off that next day,” said Laura Friedmann, Buckeye Current team president. “That was so fun. That was probably my favorite moment.”

Pending verification by the Fédération Internationale Motocycliste (FIM), the new records include an average speed of 180.035 mph with an aerodynamic body over a flying mile and 168.593 mph without the fairing.

The team collaborates with Monegasque Venturi Group to build these high-speed electric motorcycles. Comprising students from various majors who volunteer their time, they have developed and tested the Ohio State RW-5 Voxan.

Friedmann recounted additional challenges that began when their truck and trailer broke down shortly after leaving Columbus. A thunderstorm nearly soaked their motorcycle right before their first race, and their high-voltage charger failed, forcing them to rely on an unreliable backup.

“If you can’t charge a battery pack, you can’t race, and a high-voltage charger is not something you can just go out and get. They’re custom-made. They cost a lot of money. They’re not readily available,” she explained.

Despite these setbacks, the team continued to find solutions. David Cooke, senior associate director of CAR and adviser for Buckeye Current, praised the students' resilience.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them. I told them all that they entered as a student club and left as a land speed racing team,” he said. “They went through a lot in the last month and I’m super proud of them.”

Friedmann mentioned that the team's goal is to surpass 200 mph on the RW-5 Voxan—a target within reach.

Gildo Pastor, president of Venturi Group, expressed optimism about future achievements.

“Four new world speed records is a fantastic gift to mark the 15th anniversary of our collaboration. Ohio State University and Venturi Group already held five records, and we are now at nine. See you soon for the tenth!”