About
Northeast of Wendover, Utah lies Bonneville Speedway. An unlikely sports venue, barren from all life forms, the Bonneville Salt Flats are considered Utah’s most unique attraction and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1912, the salt flats were first used as a hosting site for motorsports and became increasingly popular for setting land speed records throughout the 1930s, when Ab Jenkins and Sir Malcolm Campbell (both professional racecar drivers) began discovering the race-speed benefits of the 30,000 acres of compacted salty terrain. Various race machines have visited the track and record speeds of even upwards of 600mph have been reached throughout the track’s history.
The unique scenery is not the only reason that brings people to the Bonneville Salt Flats. One more reason is speed and really great speed. Bonneville is one of the most popular areas for speed racing in the world.
This terrain was first used for speed races in 1912 and the first record in land speed was set here in 1914. But it gained real popularity only in the 1930s. Nowadays three land speed racing events attract participants from all over the world. Specifically designed vehicles come here to test the possible speed limits and human endurance. These annual races are hosted by the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association and include the SCTA/BNI Speed Week in August, the World of Speed in September, and the SCTA/BNI World Finals in October.
The most popular and most visited event is Speed Week. It is a six days event that starts on Saturday and ends on the next Friday. The best thing is that spectators may walk through the pits, have a look at the vehicles and talk with the drivers and the rest of the crew. This event also features the biggest rod parties. The USFRA is an ideal event for the first time racers, while the World Finals gather more experienced drivers. If you plan to visit one of these events, don’t forget to take a hat, dark glasses, and sunscreen. Binoculars will provide you with a great view of the vehicles that ride down the course.
Bonneville Speed Week starts with the purchase of daily or weekly entry passes at the entrance to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Spectators are allowed to walk through the pits, view the vehicles, and talk to the drivers and crew members.



Be sure to bring a hat and shade from the sun. If you intend to set up a ‘semi-permanent’ spectator area, you must secure a tarp as a floor covering on the salt. Don’t forget your camera, because you will want to remember everything you see. Binoculars are also a great idea since the race vehicles are at least 1/4 mile away traveling down the course.
There will be vendors for food, refreshments, eyewear, sunscreen & much more on the salt flats as well.



Directions: Take Exit 4 on Interstate 80 east to the end of the road. The event takes place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Click HERE for a full schedule of events and more information on Bonneville Speed Week. For planning your trip to West Wendover City, please dial the West Wendover Visitors Center at (775) 664-3138 or click Visit West Wendover.