LIMESTONE, Maine (WHDH) — A Florida man who once set the world record for the fastest speed on a motorcycle died after a horrific crash in Maine.
The Loring Timing Association said 44-year-old Bill Warner of Wimauma, Fla., crashed Sunday during The Maine Event, a race being held on a runway at the former Loring Air Force Base. Race Director Tim Kelly said Warner was clocked at 285 mph before he lost control. He said Warner was conscious and talking as he was taken from the scene but died later at a hospital.
Prior to his final run, he spoke about what it’s like to move that fast.
“In a wheelie, it’s really scary. If everything’s planted, it’s very fun,” said Warner.
Witnesses said Warner was launched 40 feet in the air.
Warner rode a modified turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa. He previously hit 311 mph on the same course in 2011, using 1.5 miles of pavement. During this run, he was trying to hit 300 mph using just a mile of pavement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.