24-hour World Record
On 18 March 1961 a production Velocette Venom Clubman set the 24-hour world record at an average speed of 100.05 mph (161.01 km/h). It was the first motorcycle of any size to top the 100 mph in 24 hours, and to this date no other machine of the same capacity has been able to equal or improve on this record. The record attempt took place at the Montlhery speed bowl, a 2.7 km (1.7 miles) concrete track just outside Paris with a very uneven road surface and poor track lighting. A team of six French riders were accompanied by Motor Cycling journalist Bruce Main-Smith, who achieved the best lap time of 107 mph despite the poor lighting conditions. After securing the 12 hour record at more than 104 mph (167 km/h), the team went on to complete the 24 hour endurance record attempt. Stopping only to change riders and refuel (from a bucket using a funnel) the Venom secured the world record. The publicity was very important for Velocette, as the success revived sales of the Venom which went on to become one of Velocette's best selling motorcycles. The Venom which set the 24 hour world record is now on display at the British National Motorcycle Museum.
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