Glendale motorcycle racer, 66, sets world record at 284 mph

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Ralph Hudson was not the favorite to set the record for the world's fastest sit-on motorcycle, but the 66-year-old did just that, hitting an average speed of 284 mph.

"When everything happens just right and it all comes together, it really isn't that big of a deal to go that fast" said Hudson.

But it is a big deal. The Los Angeles native owns a small shop in Glendale, Ironwood racing, and was up against seasoned professional Al Lamb. At an altitude of 12,000 feet, the conditions in Bolivia were also a challenge.

"I felt a little bit of the wind. A couple times I had to straighten out and keep from lifting my head up," Hudson said.

Hudson began racing back in 1970. He took a 28-year hiatus to take care of his family, but speed kept calling his name.

"I said to myself 'Am I going to be the guy who is always talking about doing this, or am I going to be the guy who actually does it?'" Hudson said.

Now at 66 and a world-record holder, Hudson still has no plans to slow down. In fact he's working on setting another record.

"The goal is to break 300 mph," Hudson said.