The World's Fastest Indian (2005) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Burt had a lifelong passion for speed and had already earned a reputation in New Zealand and Australia for owning the fastest motorcycle. His dream was to test the limits of his custom-built Indian motorcycle at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, which was known for land speed records. He wanted to prove what his machine could achieve at its maximum potential.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes early on that Burt was already celebrated as the owner of the fastest motorcycle in both New Zealand and Australia.

• bonneville
• land speed record
• motorcycle
• passion
• speed

After suffering a heart attack while working on his motorcycle, Burt was diagnosed with angina and advised to slow down and avoid riding. However, he was determined to fulfill his lifelong dream of reaching Bonneville. He started taking medication to manage his condition and continued pursuing his goal, viewing his dream as more important than his health concerns.

Foreshadowing: Burt's single-minded dedication to speed is established from the very beginning of the film.

• heart attack
• angina
• doctor
• health
• dream
• determination

Burt saved enough money to pay for his passage to America. He traveled by cargo ship to Los Angeles, working as the cook during the voyage to cover his ticket. This shows his resourcefulness and determination to make his dream happen despite limited financial resources.

Foreshadowing: The film shows Burt working on his motorcycle and living modestly in Invercargill before his journey.

• cargo ship
• los angeles
• money
• cook
• journey

Race officials refused Burt entry because his motorcycle lacked proper registration and required safety gear. The bureaucratic requirements and formal documentation were missing, threatening his ability to participate in the event he had traveled so far to reach.

Foreshadowing: The earlier scenes in Los Angeles show Burt facing bureaucratic challenges with customs and paperwork.

• registration
• safety gear
• officials
• bonneville
• bureaucracy

After fellow competitors and fans rallied to help him overcome the registration issues, Burt was allowed to make a trial run. Despite several obstacles during his attempt, his perseverance paid off and he achieved a new land speed record of 201.851 mph (324.847 km/h) on the eighth mile of his run.

Foreshadowing: The film shows the racing community's spirit of camaraderie throughout Burt's journey.

• land speed record
• 201.851 mph
• bonneville
• competitors
• perseverance

During his record-setting run, Burt suffered burns on his leg from the motorcycle's exhaust. After the thrilling high-speed run, he experienced a dramatic fall and skid to a halt. Despite these injuries, he completed his run and set the record.

Foreshadowing: The intense heat and mechanical strain on Burt's motorcycle is visible during his preparation and trial runs.

• burns
• exhaust
• fall
• injury
• record run

Burt's friendly and straightforward personality helped him win over locals. In Los Angeles, motel clerk Tina (a transvestite) helped him clear customs and buy a car. A car salesman let him use his workshop to build a trailer. Along his journey, he met highway police, a Native American man named Jake who helped fix his trailer, and a woman named Ada who provided garage space and became his brief romantic interest.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes Burt's charming and laid-back demeanor early in Invercargill.

• tina
• jake
• ada
• help
• strangers
• support

After witnessing Burt's skill at fine-tuning cars, the car salesman offered him a job at his dealership. While flattered by the offer, Burt chose to decline because it would have distracted him from his ultimate goal of reaching Bonneville and setting a speed record. He remained focused on his singular mission.

Foreshadowing: The salesman's appreciation for Burt's mechanical skills is shown when he offers use of his workshop.

• job offer
• car salesman
• focus
• goal
• declined

Yes, the epilogue reveals that Burt returned to race at Bonneville an incredible nine more times after his first successful attempt. He continued battling to push his records further, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to speed and his racing legacy.

Foreshadowing: Burt's record-setting run shows his determination to keep pushing limits.

• bonneville
• races
• return
• nine times
• records
• legacy

When Burt was refused entry due to registration issues, fellow competitors and enthusiastic fans came together to assist him. Their collective support and camaraderie enabled Burt to overcome the bureaucratic obstacles and participate in the event, showcasing the spirit of the racing community.

Foreshadowing: Throughout Burt's journey, strangers consistently offer help due to his genuine personality.

• competitors
• fans
• support
• community
• help
• bonneville