Passionate about speed whether she’s on two or four wheels, Bec Robinson is a gearhead from way back. So, when offered a ride of her brother Ken’s salt-ready bike at Lake Gairdner’s DLRA Speed Week, she didn’t hesitate to jump aboard. Salt fever hit, and Bec has now taken out five Aussie records in a handful of bike classes. But her pride and joy is undoubtedly her recently completed 1971 VH Charger.

Tell us about your first crack at the salt.

I didn’t have any riding gear, so I borrowed Ken’s leathers and boots, which were all too big for me. His 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa was very heavy, but it raced straight; I love that bike! I raced in the MPS-G 1350 class, but first I had to gain my 125mph (200km/h) licence. That’s when salt fever hit.

And it grew from there?

By the third year in 2015, Ken had built me a 2014 Yamaha VMAX. I set three Australian records on that bike. It was massive – I couldn’t touch the ground, so someone would need to catch me when I rode back to the pits! I believe it was the fastest VMAX in the world at the time, and 175mph was the maximum I hit. Ken’s now built me a 2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000. I’ve hit 175mph on that, and it will get to 200mph with good conditions, although I couldn’t race this year as it was too windy. Racing on the salt is fast and crazy, but you’re being watched, and I feel it’s far safer than the road.

Sweet chrome-bumper rides are another passion of yours.

I have an XB GT coupe that I’ve owned for 16 years; it’s driveable, but a work in progress. So, I wanted another early-70s Aussie project, as I grew up in a sea of Fords, Holden and Valiants – we were driving the best cars to come out of the country and we didn’t realise it – and I love the sleek lines and body shape of my VH Charger.

When did you get it?

I bought the Charger as a bare shell with boxes of parts from Sydney in 2019. It’s a factory 770 with a 360ci engine from factory. Moe Custom & Classic Revival did the paint and panel, including rust repairs, while Ange from Molinari Race Engines stroked the 360 to 410ci. Only the dash badge is old, to retain a piece of its history; otherwise, it’s all NOS, modified or reconditioned.

Any issues with the build?

There’s been a lot of heartache, but good people got it finished. I trusted the wrong person and was ready to sell it all, but Ange was really supportive and talked me out of it. He put me onto Mick, who has fitted the engine, brakes and lines, fuel lines, exhaust and so on – he’s done a beautiful job. Now my Charger preserves a part of history that will later be passed down through my family.

Anyone to thank?

Ange Molinari; Mick McGrath; Steve Downey; Tony AllTrim; Ricky Shaw for trim and fit-out; Paul Rogers Performance Transmissions; Ken Robinson and the Black Ice Racing crew.

Girls — wanna be famous? Become an Iron Maiden! Email car details, pics (2MB+) and contact deets to [email protected]. You and your ride could appear in the mag!