Bonneville Speed Week

The Bonneville Salt Flats are the mecca of speed. Bonneville Land Speed Racing is a unique sport that consists of very determined people who drive hot rods, roadsters, belly tankers, lakesters, motorcycles, streamliners, and even diesel trucks to “shoot the salt” in a simple quest to have their name added to the list of many record holders. Entrants come from all over the world to participate in the week long event. Spectators are allowed to walk through the pits, view the vehicles, and talk to the drivers and crew members. If you’ve never been to Bonneville Speed Week, this should definitely be on your bucket list!

This photo gallery was taken in 2011, the year that George Poteet’s Speed Demon set a record of 426 mph, making it  “the fastest piston engine pass ever” at that time. This gallery represents the Bonneville Salt Flats before problems with excessive rain and flooding, and the deteriorating salt surface began to plague racing. Measured at as much at 3 ft in the 1940s and 50s, the salt surface has been reduced to approximately 2 inches in 2015. To learn more about how you can help “Save the Salt” visit: savethesalt.org