Do you know or did you know Eugene (Gene) Thiessen?

[fastesthonda_jim]

Folks,
His daughter put out the below plea to a motorcycle club of which I am a part.
"I am interested in any information you could share with me about my father.  He still has this factory build 1951 alcohol motorcycle that Hap Alzina presented to him after he set a speed record on it, along with many spare engine and transmission parts I am to understand.  The motorcycle has only been ridden twice.  Once at Bonneville, and once at Rosemond Dry Lake.  He may be interested in selling it, no idea of value, or how to insure.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Phone 925.980.6220."

[WEAL]

What make / model is the bike? A pic or two would surely help to identify and make somebody remember...

Hartmut

[mergatroyd]

Google led me to Wikipedia:

American speed record

Also in 1952 American BSA dealer Hap Alzina prepared a BSA Star Twin for an attempt on the American Class C speed record for standard catalogue motorcycles. The rules prevented major modification but Alzina was allowed to use 80 octane fuel, which together with a compression ratio of 8 to 1 enabled rider Gene Thiessen to achieve a two way record speed of 123.69 mph (199.06 km/h).[5]