June 30, 2025

A 60-Year-Old Man Takes on the World's Fastest Speed Record on a 50cc Bike -- The Super Minimum Challenge Powered by Made in Japan Technology

　Every August, in the vast salt flats of Utah, the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials (BMST) takes place--an internationally renowned land speed racing event recognized by the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) and FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme). With over 100 years of history, it's a place where riders from all over the world compete to be the fastest.
　And once again this year, Mr. Takushi Chikakane will take on this major event.

Racing Under Brutal Conditions

　While the BMST is not a well-known event in Japan (Perhaps, not everyone is familiar with it), it is an extremely famous race in the United States, where riders compete in various categories, from 50cc motorcycles to rocket cars, all aiming for the title of world's fastest.
　The race takes place at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, at an elevation of approximately 1,282 meters. This means the oxygen level in the air is low, and during summer, temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F). And it doesn't stop there-- the race is famous for its extremely harsh environment, as participants must navigate a surface covered with salt crusts several centimeters thick, formed by the evaporation of saltwater with a salinity higher than that of seawater during the summer heat.
　The location has also been used as a filming location for movies, so film buffs may recognize it as the spot where Captain Steven Hiller, Will Smith's character, drags an alien across the desert in Independence Day. This iconic location isn't just cinematic--it's legendary among speed enthusiasts, thanks to racers like Burt Munro, whose life story inspired the film The World's Fastest Indian. (Anthony Hopkins played the lead role.)

What is the Super Minimum Challenge?

　Mr. Takushi Chikakane has been challenging this grueling race for several years. Since his first participation in 2018, this year marks his sixth year. After achieving six world speed records in the 50cc and 125cc supercharged classes in 2019, he has been unable to race in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions.
　This year, he is finally ready to challenge the world record again.

　The Super Minimum Challenge (SMC) is the name of Mr. Chikakane's bold endeavor to set a new world speed record in the smallest engine class (50cc).
　Mr. Chikakane, a film director and land speed racer, launched this project with dual motivation:
　1.To bring together Japan's precision machining technology to become the world's fastest in the smallest class!
　2.To showcase the excellence of Made in Japan to the world!
　People who resonate with this vision have joined the project on a volunteer basis. It's like a motorcycle version of "Shitamachi Rocket."

The SMC Supporters Behind the Dream

　The first person to step forward for this project was Mr. Goto, the president of Nissin Tool Co., Ltd. (NS TOOL), a company specializing in ultra-small end mills (cutting tools). Their motto--"Be the best in the smallest field"--resonated with SMC's goal.

NS TOOL takes pride in supporting Japanese manufacturing and is committed to challenging the cutting edge of technology. Its brand statement, "Creating the future beyond manufacturing," reflects its determination to continue innovating Japan's precision industries and pioneer the next future of Made in Japan alongside its customers.
　Under the concept of supporting those who challenge themselves, NS TOOL has also sponsored the Japan Deaf Football Association (JDFA) and been active in disaster relief activities in Sendai, where its factory is located.

　In 2018, when SMC was launched, following NS TOOL, over 30 leading companies from Japan's precision machining industry joined the initiative. Among them are Marumae (known for high-precision semiconductor parts) and Hakudo (supplier of processed aluminum and other metals), and all of which are companies that support Japan's manufacturing industry.

A world-record speed challenge by a man in his 60s (Takushi Chikakane)

　Mr. Chikakane's main profession is filmmaking. His 2019 SMC journey was even made into a movie titled "The Poem of a Lean Horse" (available as a digest version on YouTube).
　His passion for motorsports runs deep--he's competed in the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Race and the FIM Australia Safari Rally on a 50cc bike. He's also active as a writer for various media outlets, serves as the head of the Generic Electronics Promotion Committee, supports small appliance manufacturers, has led a reconstruction project for the Great East Japan Earthquake, helped launch FM radio stations, and worked in TV and radio production, among other activities, leveraging his mobility.

　But now at age 61, Mr. Chikakane is undoubtedly facing a challenging age for racing in the harsh conditions of Bonneville. Riding a ground-hugging 50cc bike through 40°C heat at over 200 km/h on salt crust is an absolute test of both body and willpower.
　This older gentleman from the world's most rapidly aging nation recklessly challenges the world's worst environment at the Bonneville Salt Flats to pursue the world's highest speed.
　His story is one of hope--not just for middle-aged men, but for many people in Japan, including young generations.

The Power of Japan's Manufacturing (the pride of "Made in Japan")

　At the same time, the machines used in the race are also exceptional. They are not just ordinary bikes. It is impossible for an ordinary bike to reach speeds of 200 km/h. The frame of the vehicle is almost completely horizontal and the suspension is also designed in a flat shape, resulting in a structure completely different from that of a standard bike.
　Ultimate aerodynamic performance, ultimate 50cc engine, ultimate frame structure--this time, the cowl is dry carbon, many parts have been changed to aluminum and titanium, and to top it off, Mr. Chikakane himself lost 5 kg from his best weight. Compared to 2019, the entire machine is now 20 kg lighter. Each component is crafted with ultra-precise technology to ensure there are no errors down to the micron level.

　Even with all this, whether the top speed can be achieved is a matter of "luck," but one thing is clear: without these efforts, achieving the world's highest speed is absolutely impossible.

　What's more amazing is that these companies and engineers are doing it mostly at their own expense, out of pride in their Made in Japan technology.

Ready for the 2023 Challenge

　This year's race is scheduled for late August. The machine is now undergoing final adjustments and will soon be shipped to the United States. Everything is set for the best-ever challenge by the SMC team.

　We'll continue to stay in touch with Mr. Chikakane and report updates along the way. If you find this challenge interesting, please consider supporting us. Even sharing this article or spreading the word through your own media would be a great encouragement. If anyone is interested in conducting an interview, please contact me at the email address below.

Yoshitake Kurimoto
Alpha Function, Inc.
https://www.alpha-function.jp/
kurimoto@alpha-function.jp

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