Young Bradford drag racer sets land speed world record

Alfie Barraclough, from Thornton, reached an average speed of 54mph on his specially-built 70cc motorbike during a junior record attempt at an airfield in York yesterday.

His efforts have seen him recognised by the official body, the UK Timing Association in his age group.

Alfie Barraclough on his 70cc drag bike (Image: Phil Evans)

Dad Karl, who provides safety cover at drag racing events, explained that Alfie was the first nine-year-old to attempt the record.

When the next Straightliners land speed event comes round in September, Alfie, who will have turned 10, will be looking to take the existing record in that age group.

Karl told the T&A: “We are just so proud of him - to get to what he’s doing now in two years - to go from turning up at an event and just going out and trying to win.

“He actually came second in the championship on his first season because he was so consistent.

“And he only started drag racing halfway through the year, due to his birthday.

“His ambitions were to do drag racing and to do a land speed record, and the opportunity came yesterday.

“To be able to watch him go down the track and achieve that makes me very proud.”

Alfie Barraclough as he set a world land speed record (Image: Phil Evans)

He added that Alfie was “just really, really happy” to have the opportunity to do something that nobody at that age has every been able to – as well as achieve one of his dreams.

Karl added: “Obviously he wants to go faster, but there are restrictions in place as he goes through the juniors.”

He said that Alfie became interested in the sport after going along to watch drag racing events from a young age.

Karl said that he and his wife Lexie bought Alfie his first bike when he was five, an electric mini moto.

The youngster, who competed in his first drag race when he was old enough on his eighth birthday, has now set his sights on a top-of-the-podium finish, and has long-term future plans to top 200mph on his bike.

Alfie, age 8 (Image: Newsquest)

It was in 2021 that the T&A first reported on Alfie’s success at the sport.

Karl said at the time: “It’s all about gearing and technique. Alfie’s technique is very good and he shows tremendous concentration.

“His reaction times are phenomenal, but he never asks if he’s won or how fast he’s gone.”