David Campos

David Campos: The Fastest Man on Two Wheels

David Campos’s journey into the world of speed began at the age of 13, when he purchased and raced his first Harley-Davidson. That early spark ignited a lifelong passion for riding and racing, and over the decades, Campos has remained fiercely loyal to the Harley-Davidson brand. With 38 years of professional, nationwide competition under his belt and a host of titles and class records in both the American Hot Rod Association and the National Hot Rod Association, Campos has cemented his place as one of motorcycling’s elite. But it was in 1990, at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, that Campos truly etched his name into the annals of motorcycle history.

A Quest for Speed and Glory

Throughout his career, David Campos has been a dedicated competitor, setting class records and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels. But it wasn’t until July 1990 that he achieved his crowning glory: setting a world land speed record of 322.150 MPH, an achievement that earned him the title of The Fastest Man on Two Wheels.

This extraordinary feat was recognized not just by the motorcycling community but by his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The city proudly proclaimed his title, honoring him for his daring, skill, and the dedication required to reach such an incredible milestone. The achievement not only demonstrated Campos’s technical prowess and riding skill but also his unwavering determination to push himself and his machine to the absolute limit.

The 200 MPH Club and Beyond

David Campos’s record-setting run at Bonneville wasn’t his first taste of high-speed success. Back in 1974, Campos had already joined the prestigious 200 MPH Club, a coveted group of racers who have surpassed the 200 mph mark — a rare and revered accomplishment in land speed racing. This induction was a testament to his talent and bravery, qualities that would come to define his entire career.

Joining the 200 MPH Club was a turning point for Campos, inspiring him to aim even higher. Over the years, he continued to fine-tune his riding techniques and his machines, transforming his Harley-Davidson motorcycles into finely tuned rockets capable of speeds few riders would ever dare attempt. Every record set, every race won, was a step toward his ultimate goal: becoming the fastest man on two wheels.

A Record-Breaking Ride

Campos’s 1990 record-setting ride was the culmination of years of preparation, countless hours in the garage, and a fearless attitude that few could match. The Bonneville Salt Flats, with its endless expanse of hard, flat terrain, has long been the proving ground for land speed racers. For Campos, it was the perfect stage to make history.

Riding a specially designed, streamlined Harley-Davidson, Campos rocketed down the salt flats at a blistering 322.150 MPH, shattering previous records and achieving a speed few thought possible. The run was not just a triumph of speed, but a triumph of engineering and perseverance. It was a moment that would forever define his career, earning him a place in the pantheon of motorcycling legends.

A Legacy of Speed and Dedication

David Campos’s achievements are more than just numbers on a speedometer. They are a reflection of his lifelong passion for motorcycling and his dedication to Harley-Davidson. 

Throughout his 38-year racing career, Campos has shown what it means to be a true competitor, pushing the boundaries of human and mechanical performance. He has set the bar for future generations of racers, proving that with skill, determination, and the right machine, the limits of speed can always be pushed a little further.

For Campos, the Harley-Davidson brand has always been more than just a motorcycle — it’s been a partner in his pursuit of greatness. From his very first Harley as a teenager to the record-breaking machine that propelled him into history, Harley-Davidson has been a constant presence in his life. His loyalty to the brand is rare in the world of professional racing, where riders often switch brands in search of the perfect ride. But for Campos, there was never any question: Harley-Davidson was his ride of choice, his machine of speed, and his partner in making history.

A Hero in His Hometown

Today, David Campos is celebrated not just as a world record holder, but as a hometown hero in Albuquerque. His accomplishments have inspired countless riders and racers, proving that big dreams can come true, even in the vast open landscapes of the American Southwest. His induction into the 200 MPH Club, his numerous racing titles, and his ultimate achievement at Bonneville have all contributed to a legacy of speed, passion, and perseverance.

Campos’s story is one of a young rider who dared to dream big, a racer who dedicated his life to mastering his craft, and a competitor who became the fastest man on two wheels. His name will forever be linked with speed, daring, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence — a true icon in the world of motorcycling.

As the salt dust settles at Bonneville and the echoes of roaring engines fade, David Campos’s legacy endures. His record may one day be broken, but his spirit — the spirit of a young boy who bought his first Harley-Davidson and dared to see how fast it could go — will continue to inspire racers, dreamers, and riders everywhere.