Bonneville Speed Week

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Originally known as the Bonneville Nationals, Bonneville Speed Week is an iconic and internationally renowned motorsports event held annually at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, United States. This historic racing venue, known for its vast, flat expanse of salt, attracts speed enthusiasts, racers, and engineers from around the globe. Bonneville Speed Week has become a symbol of innovation, engineering excellence, and the pursuit of land-speed records.


History

The origins of Bonneville Speed Week can be traced back to the early 20th century when thrill-seeking automotive enthusiasts began visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats to test the limits of their vehicles' speed on the uniquely smooth surface. The official establishment of organized racing at Bonneville started in 1949 when the Southern California Timing Association and the Bonneville Nationals Inc. took the initiative to create a formal event.


Format

Bonneville Speed Week typically spans several days and involves a series of timed runs on designated courses at the salt flats. Participants bring an eclectic array of vehicles, including motorcycles, hot rods, streamliners, and even custom-built land-speed cars, each aiming to break existing records or set new ones. The event is open to both seasoned racers and newcomers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and a spirit of competition.


Records and Achievements

Over the years, Bonneville Speed Week has witnessed numerous land-speed records shattered across various categories and classes. Participants push the boundaries of engineering and performance, and their efforts have led to groundbreaking achievements in automotive history. The event has been a playground for speed pioneers, with records broken for both wheel-driven and non-wheel-driven vehicles.


Challenges

While the Bonneville Salt Flats provide an ideal setting for land-speed racing, the event faces several challenges. Environmental factors, such as rain and excessive moisture, can affect the condition of the salt surface, making it unsuitable for high-speed runs. Additionally, the delicate ecosystem of the salt flats requires careful management to ensure the preservation of this natural wonder for future generations.


Impact and Legacy

Bonneville Speed Week has had a significant impact on the automotive industry and racing community. It has served as a breeding ground for innovation, encouraging engineers to develop cutting-edge technologies to enhance vehicle performance. The event's spirit of friendly competition and pursuit of excellence has inspired generations of automotive enthusiasts, fostering a passion for speed and engineering.


Preservation and Conservation

Recognizing the ecological importance of the Bonneville Salt Flats, organizers and participants of Bonneville Speed Week have taken initiatives to preserve and protect this unique racing venue. Collaboration with environmental agencies and adherence to responsible land-use practices have become integral to the event's continuation.


Bonneville Speed Week 2010

The 62nd annual Bonneville Speed Week was held August 14 - 20, 2010. 325 cars and 164 bikes were entered for the 2010 event.

Photos:
Click here to see Coby Gewrtz' photos from the 2010 Bonneville Speed Week
Click here to see Pedrovonpetrol's photos from the 2010 Bonneville Speed Week
Click here to see Hardtstein's photos from the 2010 Bonneville Speed Week
Click here to see Hardtstein's photos from the 2010 Bonneville Speed Week Parking Lot Show

Bonneville Speed Week 2009

The 61st annual Bonneville Speed Week 2009 will be held August 8th - 14th. For more information, visit The SCTA Website

Pictures:
Ray the Rat's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2009
Mgbeck 98's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2009
Roodogg's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2009
Firago's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2009
Reverborama's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2009
Mgbeck's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2009
Starrphotos' pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2009


Bonneville Speed Week 2008

Terpu29's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2008
Boones' pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2008
Jeremystery's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2008 - Part 1
Jeremystery's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2008 - Part 2
Jeremystery's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2008 - Part 3
Jeremystery's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2008 - Part 4
Ray the Rat's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2008


Bonneville Speed Week 2007

Coop's pictures from Bonneville Speed Week 2007

Bonneville Nationals 1956

Cars Attending:
Pierson Brothers' 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe


Bonneville Nationals 1955

Cars Attending:
Fred Larsen's 1927 Ford Model T Roadster


Photos:
Click here to see photos from the 1955 Bonneville Nationals


Bonneville Nationals 1954

Cars Attending:
Paul Sylva's 1927 Ford Model T Roadster
Doug Rice's 1939 Ford Coupe


Bonneville Nationals 1953

Cars Attending:
Bill Kenz' Streamliner
Doug Rice's 1939 Ford Coupe
The Shadoff Special
Tom Beatty's Belly Tank Lakester
The Guy Mabee Special
Art and Lloyd Chrisman's 1930 Ford
Chet Herbert's Streamliner


Bonneville Nationals 1952

Cars Attending:
Paul Sylva's 1927 Ford Model T Roadster
Vern Simon's 1936 Ford Roadster
Doug Rice's 1939 Ford Coupe
Chet Herbert's Beast III
B&S Garage Lakester


Photos:
Click here for photos from the 1952 Bonneville Nationals

Bonneville Nationals 1951

Cars Attending:
Woody Lee's 1924 Ford Model T Roadster
Eugene Wentworth's 1932 Ford Roadster
Pierson Brothers' 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe

Bonneville Nationals 1950

Cars Attending:
Fran Bannister's 1932 Ford Roadster
Pierson Brothers' 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe


Bonneville Nationals 1949

Cars Attending:
Art Tremaine's 1929 Ford Model A Roadster




 

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