Bonneville Speedway (Salt Flats)
Location
Wendover, Utah, USA
Current Local Time
Current Local Weather
Track Info
Bonneville Speedway (Salt Flats) - Tooele County, Utah, USA
Natural salt pan used for straight-line speed courses - no turns - seasonal surface with multiple measured courses laid out on the flats
When was the track built?
Bonneville isn’t a paved circuit - it’s a natural salt pan that dries into a billiard-table surface most summers. Organised record attempts began in 1914 and evolved into formal meets with surveyed courses, timing traps and safety protocols. Today officials paint or cone the straight courses each season, adjusting lengths to salt conditions.
When was its first race?
The flats’ first race of note was Teddy Tetzlaff’s August 1914 record run in the 300 hp Blitzen Benz, clocking 142.8 mph and putting Bonneville on the world map for speed. In the 1930s, Ab Jenkins and Sir Malcolm Campbell cemented its legend with endurance and absolute speed marks.
What’s the course like?
- Pure top speed: Long acceleration zones into a calibrated flying mile or kilometer, then a long shutdown area. No corners - only straight-line stability and aero efficiency matter.
- Seasonal salt: Course length and surface hardness vary year to year. Meets run only when the crust is dry and strong enough to support vehicles and rescue crews.
- Air density & altitude: At ~4,200 ft, thinner air reduces drag and engine power - blown engines and long gearing are common solutions.
- Benchmark pace: Historic absolute records over 500 and 600 mph were set here with jets in the 1960s; modern wheel-driven streamliners frequently exceed 400 mph in class at Speed Week.
Record highlights and benchmarks
- First Bonneville record: 142.8 mph - Teddy Tetzlaff, Blitzen Benz, August 1914.
- First 300 mph at Bonneville: 301.129 mph - Sir Malcolm Campbell, Blue Bird, Sept 3, 1935.
- Jet era milestones: Craig Breedlove’s Spirit of America series pushed from 407.45 mph (1963) past 600.601 mph (1965). Art Arfons’ Green Monster traded records with Breedlove up to 576.553 mph.
- Fastest wheel-driven at Speed Week (recent): Speed Demon streamliner frequently tops the charts - 459.734 mph fastest mile in 2024.
Why go?
It’s motorsport distilled - endless horizon, heat shimmer and machines built only to go faster than anything in their class. Pits are open, teams are approachable and you can stand beside timing lines watching legends happen in real time as roosters of salt spray trail across the white.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Start line: Feel the launch, hear blower whine and turbos spool as cars come up on boost.
- Measured mile: This is where records are made - the quiet is eerie until the car slices past in a shimmering mirage.
- Return road and pits: Access is superb - meet builders and see the salt-caked hardware up close between runs.
Not just one event: Bonneville’s calendar
SCTA/BNI Speed Week (August): The headline meet with hundreds of entries across streamliner, lakester, production and motorcycle classes.
World of Speed (USFRA - September): Ideal for newcomers with licensing runs and a friendly paddock vibe.
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials (AMA/FIM - late Aug): Two-wheel records from small-displacement production to purpose-built streamliners.
Private FIA/FIM attempts: Historic jet and rocket absolute records and today’s wheel-driven record programs use bespoke course setups when the salt allows.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Bonneville Speedway - Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Best options are driving via I-80 Exit 4 to the Bonneville Speedway access road with parking at the paved turnaround, using designated spectator routes during permitted events, and staging in Wendover for fuel, lodging and supplies. There is no public transit to the flats and no on-site services. Seasonal closures apply when the surface is wet - always follow posted signs.
Driving - the only practical way
- I-80 Exit 4: Follow Bonneville Speedway Rd north, then right onto Leppy Pass Rd. The paved road ends at a signed cul-de-sac with day parking and the typical access point to the flats. Do not drive onto wet salt.
- Salt Flats Rest Area: For a quick stop or if the access road is closed, use the Salt Flats Rest Area at I-80 MP 10 to walk out on the crust. Facilities are limited.
- Surface conditions: The BLM imposes seasonal motor vehicle closures when the flats are moist or flooded. Even when open, edges are thin and vehicles can sink into underlying mud - stay on the hard, dry surface and avoid edges.
Events - how spectator access works
- Permitted events: For Speed Week and similar meets, pay at the salt entrance and follow marked cones - routes to spectator parking outside the course are provided. No reservations needed for spectators.
- Shuttles: There is no official shuttle from Wendover to the salt - plan to self-drive or rideshare with your group. Hotel sites have noted no bus service to the flats on recent Speed Weeks.
Rideshare - taxis - public transit
- No public transit: There are no scheduled public buses to the access road. Private casino coaches run Salt Lake City to Wendover for gaming trips only - not to the flats. Local rideshare availability is limited.
- Set destination: Use Bonneville Speedway Road - Leppy Pass Rd access for drop off, then follow event or BLM signage to the spectator area.
Parking - day use only
- Paved turnaround: Free day parking at the road end - from there, enter the salt only if it is fully dry and open.
- Event parking: During races, staff will direct you to designated spectator parking outside the course lines - stay behind cones and obey marshals.
Camping and overnight options
- No camping on the salt: Overnight camping, fires and fireworks are prohibited on the flats.
- Where to camp instead: Free dispersed camping is allowed on adjacent BLM lands - commonly at the Bend in the Road area off Leppy Pass Rd or in the Silver Island Mountains. Follow standard BLM dispersed rules.
What to bring - and what to expect
- No services on the flats: Pack water, sun protection and fuel up in Wendover. Cell coverage can be limited.
- Vehicle care: Salt is corrosive - avoid wet areas and rinse your vehicle promptly after visiting. The BLM brochure highlights stuck vehicle hazards along the edges.
Airports and long distance travel
- Salt Lake City International SLC → Flats: roughly 120 miles west via I-80 - about 1.5 to 2 hours by car depending on traffic.
- Wendover Airport ENV: adjacent to town for charter - event flights - then drive to Exit 4 for the access road.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- For photos or a quick stop: use the Salt Flats Rest Area at I-80 MP 10 - short walk onto the crust.
- For speed events or driving on the salt: take I-80 Exit 4 → Bonneville Speedway Rd → Leppy Pass Rd to the paved access and follow marshals.
- Overnighting nearby: stay in Wendover or disperse camp on adjacent BLM land - never on the salt itself.
Always check the BLM Bonneville page on the morning of your visit for surface closures and event notices, and obey all cones - signs - marshal instructions during race meets.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Bonneville Speedway - Bonneville Salt Flats (Wendover - Utah, USA)
Whether you are here for SCTA Speed Week, World of Speed, the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials or a photo and stargazing trip, the white flats sit beside small desert towns and wide open West landscapes - perfect for sunrise shoots, museums, state parks and easy day trips on non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the flats
- Sunrise and sunset on the salt: Shallow water after rain creates mirror like reflections. Dry days reveal endless texture for photos and easy strolls. Stay near the prepared access to avoid soft spots.
- Historic Wendover Airfield Museum: WWII training base with hangars, aircraft exhibits and the preserved Enola Gay hangar tours on select days.
- Bonneville Salt Flats Rest Area: Quick stop on I-80 with clean views and interpretive signs. Good for short family photo sessions if you are not driving onto the salt.
- Pool breaks: West Wendover resorts offer day friendly pools and casual dining - handy for hot afternoons between morning and evening flat visits.
- Starry skies: Low light pollution makes easy family stargazing a few minutes off town when skies are clear. Bring warm layers even in summer nights.
Always check the day’s surface conditions before stepping or driving onto the flats. After wet periods the crust is fragile and entry may be prohibited.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Wendover Will and Historic Downtown: Retro roadside Americana and photo stops on US 93A.
- Danger Cave State Park Heritage Area: One of North America’s key archaeological sites. Guided tours run on select dates - book ahead.
- Tree of Utah sculpture: Roadside land art by Karl Momen east of Wendover on I-80. View from designated pullouts only.
Eat and drink like a local
- Wendover UT and West Wendover NV: Casual diners, Mexican kitchens, steak and buffet rooms suited to groups after a long day on the flats.
- Road snacks and supplies: Stock water, electrolyte drinks and sun friendly snacks in town before heading to the salt. There are no services on the course.
- Race week tip: On major event weeks, dinner lines grow fast Thursday - Sunday. Book or go early if you are traveling as a group.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway: Scenic unpaved loop skirting the flats with overlooks. High clearance is helpful after storms. Carry plenty of water.
- Bonneville Speedway road cycle: Early morning spins on the paved approach road are flat and photogenic. Avoid riding on the salt unless event rules allow pedestrian access and the crust is dry and firm.
- Antelope Island State Park: If you have a spare day near Salt Lake City, combine bison viewing with calm shoreline walks and lake views.
- Floating the Great Salt Lake - Great Salt Lake State Park: Gentle float experience on calm days closer to Salt Lake City if you are extending your trip east.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Great Basin National Park - Nevada - About 2.5 to 3 hours. Lehman Caves tours, bristlecone pines and Wheeler Peak scenic drives. Reserve cave tickets in advance.
- Spiral Jetty & Golden Spike sites - 2.5 to 3 hours each way on the north arm of Great Salt Lake. Remote roads and limited services - check conditions.
- Ruby Mountains - Lamoille Canyon - Around 3 hours. High alpine basin with short trails and big granite scenery near Elko, best as an overnight add on.
- Bonneville Shoreline and Foothill trails - Salt Lake area - 1.75 to 2.25 hours. Easy hikes with city and lake vistas if you route via SLC.
- Sun Tunnels land art - Utah West Desert - Roughly 2 hours on mixed surfaces. Striking concrete tunnels aligned to solstices, great at sunrise or sunset. Go prepared for remote travel.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Remote desert sites often have no fuel or shade - plan water, maps and daylight carefully.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Late summer usually hosts Speed Week and other record meets. All are weather and surface dependent. Hotels in Wendover fill Thursday - Sunday and may require multi night minimums.
- Weather - Expect intense sun, glare and heat by day with rapid temperature drops after sunset. Wind can raise salt dust. Winter to spring often brings standing water. Pack layers, sun protection and closed footwear that can handle salt.
Practical notes for the salt flats
- Respect closures: The flats are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Do not drive onto the salt when gates or signs indicate closure or when the surface is wet. Ruts cause long term damage.
- Stay on firm surfaces: Use the established access and event approaches. Avoid dark or damp patches. If you sink, stop and back out slowly to firmer ground.
- Vehicle care: Salt is highly corrosive. Use on site wash pads when available or rinse underbody and brakes in town as soon as possible after leaving the salt.
- Eyes and skin: The white crust reflects hard light. Bring UV sunglasses, hat, high SPF sunscreen, lip balm and long sleeves. Consider a sun umbrella for kids.
- Water and shade: There is no natural shade. Carry more water than you think you need, plus snacks and a small first aid kit. A compact pop up shade or reflective tarp helps for longer spectating stints.
- Leave no trace: Pack out all trash, including zip ties and tape from pits. Keep vehicles and tents off vegetated margins at the edges of the flats.
Access, event schedules and surface conditions can change quickly with weather. Check official event organizers, BLM notices and local advisories for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location
Wendover, Utah, USA
Current Local Time
Current Local Weather
Track Info
Bonneville Speedway (Salt Flats) - Tooele County, Utah, USA
Natural salt pan used for straight-line speed courses - no turns - seasonal surface with multiple measured courses laid out on the flats
When was the track built?
Bonneville isn’t a paved circuit - it’s a natural salt pan that dries into a billiard-table surface most summers. Organised record attempts began in 1914 and evolved into formal meets with surveyed courses, timing traps and safety protocols. Today officials paint or cone the straight courses each season, adjusting lengths to salt conditions.
When was its first race?
The flats’ first race of note was Teddy Tetzlaff’s August 1914 record run in the 300 hp Blitzen Benz, clocking 142.8 mph and putting Bonneville on the world map for speed. In the 1930s, Ab Jenkins and Sir Malcolm Campbell cemented its legend with endurance and absolute speed marks.
What’s the course like?
- Pure top speed: Long acceleration zones into a calibrated flying mile or kilometer, then a long shutdown area. No corners - only straight-line stability and aero efficiency matter.
- Seasonal salt: Course length and surface hardness vary year to year. Meets run only when the crust is dry and strong enough to support vehicles and rescue crews.
- Air density & altitude: At ~4,200 ft, thinner air reduces drag and engine power - blown engines and long gearing are common solutions.
- Benchmark pace: Historic absolute records over 500 and 600 mph were set here with jets in the 1960s; modern wheel-driven streamliners frequently exceed 400 mph in class at Speed Week.
Record highlights and benchmarks
- First Bonneville record: 142.8 mph - Teddy Tetzlaff, Blitzen Benz, August 1914.
- First 300 mph at Bonneville: 301.129 mph - Sir Malcolm Campbell, Blue Bird, Sept 3, 1935.
- Jet era milestones: Craig Breedlove’s Spirit of America series pushed from 407.45 mph (1963) past 600.601 mph (1965). Art Arfons’ Green Monster traded records with Breedlove up to 576.553 mph.
- Fastest wheel-driven at Speed Week (recent): Speed Demon streamliner frequently tops the charts - 459.734 mph fastest mile in 2024.
Why go?
It’s motorsport distilled - endless horizon, heat shimmer and machines built only to go faster than anything in their class. Pits are open, teams are approachable and you can stand beside timing lines watching legends happen in real time as roosters of salt spray trail across the white.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Start line: Feel the launch, hear blower whine and turbos spool as cars come up on boost.
- Measured mile: This is where records are made - the quiet is eerie until the car slices past in a shimmering mirage.
- Return road and pits: Access is superb - meet builders and see the salt-caked hardware up close between runs.
Not just one event: Bonneville’s calendar
SCTA/BNI Speed Week (August): The headline meet with hundreds of entries across streamliner, lakester, production and motorcycle classes.
World of Speed (USFRA - September): Ideal for newcomers with licensing runs and a friendly paddock vibe.
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials (AMA/FIM - late Aug): Two-wheel records from small-displacement production to purpose-built streamliners.
Private FIA/FIM attempts: Historic jet and rocket absolute records and today’s wheel-driven record programs use bespoke course setups when the salt allows.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Bonneville Speedway - Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Best options are driving via I-80 Exit 4 to the Bonneville Speedway access road with parking at the paved turnaround, using designated spectator routes during permitted events, and staging in Wendover for fuel, lodging and supplies. There is no public transit to the flats and no on-site services. Seasonal closures apply when the surface is wet - always follow posted signs.
Driving - the only practical way
- I-80 Exit 4: Follow Bonneville Speedway Rd north, then right onto Leppy Pass Rd. The paved road ends at a signed cul-de-sac with day parking and the typical access point to the flats. Do not drive onto wet salt.
- Salt Flats Rest Area: For a quick stop or if the access road is closed, use the Salt Flats Rest Area at I-80 MP 10 to walk out on the crust. Facilities are limited.
- Surface conditions: The BLM imposes seasonal motor vehicle closures when the flats are moist or flooded. Even when open, edges are thin and vehicles can sink into underlying mud - stay on the hard, dry surface and avoid edges.
Events - how spectator access works
- Permitted events: For Speed Week and similar meets, pay at the salt entrance and follow marked cones - routes to spectator parking outside the course are provided. No reservations needed for spectators.
- Shuttles: There is no official shuttle from Wendover to the salt - plan to self-drive or rideshare with your group. Hotel sites have noted no bus service to the flats on recent Speed Weeks.
Rideshare - taxis - public transit
- No public transit: There are no scheduled public buses to the access road. Private casino coaches run Salt Lake City to Wendover for gaming trips only - not to the flats. Local rideshare availability is limited.
- Set destination: Use Bonneville Speedway Road - Leppy Pass Rd access for drop off, then follow event or BLM signage to the spectator area.
Parking - day use only
- Paved turnaround: Free day parking at the road end - from there, enter the salt only if it is fully dry and open.
- Event parking: During races, staff will direct you to designated spectator parking outside the course lines - stay behind cones and obey marshals.
Camping and overnight options
- No camping on the salt: Overnight camping, fires and fireworks are prohibited on the flats.
- Where to camp instead: Free dispersed camping is allowed on adjacent BLM lands - commonly at the Bend in the Road area off Leppy Pass Rd or in the Silver Island Mountains. Follow standard BLM dispersed rules.
What to bring - and what to expect
- No services on the flats: Pack water, sun protection and fuel up in Wendover. Cell coverage can be limited.
- Vehicle care: Salt is corrosive - avoid wet areas and rinse your vehicle promptly after visiting. The BLM brochure highlights stuck vehicle hazards along the edges.
Airports and long distance travel
- Salt Lake City International SLC → Flats: roughly 120 miles west via I-80 - about 1.5 to 2 hours by car depending on traffic.
- Wendover Airport ENV: adjacent to town for charter - event flights - then drive to Exit 4 for the access road.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- For photos or a quick stop: use the Salt Flats Rest Area at I-80 MP 10 - short walk onto the crust.
- For speed events or driving on the salt: take I-80 Exit 4 → Bonneville Speedway Rd → Leppy Pass Rd to the paved access and follow marshals.
- Overnighting nearby: stay in Wendover or disperse camp on adjacent BLM land - never on the salt itself.
Always check the BLM Bonneville page on the morning of your visit for surface closures and event notices, and obey all cones - signs - marshal instructions during race meets.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Bonneville Speedway - Bonneville Salt Flats (Wendover - Utah, USA)
Whether you are here for SCTA Speed Week, World of Speed, the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials or a photo and stargazing trip, the white flats sit beside small desert towns and wide open West landscapes - perfect for sunrise shoots, museums, state parks and easy day trips on non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the flats
- Sunrise and sunset on the salt: Shallow water after rain creates mirror like reflections. Dry days reveal endless texture for photos and easy strolls. Stay near the prepared access to avoid soft spots.
- Historic Wendover Airfield Museum: WWII training base with hangars, aircraft exhibits and the preserved Enola Gay hangar tours on select days.
- Bonneville Salt Flats Rest Area: Quick stop on I-80 with clean views and interpretive signs. Good for short family photo sessions if you are not driving onto the salt.
- Pool breaks: West Wendover resorts offer day friendly pools and casual dining - handy for hot afternoons between morning and evening flat visits.
- Starry skies: Low light pollution makes easy family stargazing a few minutes off town when skies are clear. Bring warm layers even in summer nights.
Always check the day’s surface conditions before stepping or driving onto the flats. After wet periods the crust is fragile and entry may be prohibited.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Wendover Will and Historic Downtown: Retro roadside Americana and photo stops on US 93A.
- Danger Cave State Park Heritage Area: One of North America’s key archaeological sites. Guided tours run on select dates - book ahead.
- Tree of Utah sculpture: Roadside land art by Karl Momen east of Wendover on I-80. View from designated pullouts only.
Eat and drink like a local
- Wendover UT and West Wendover NV: Casual diners, Mexican kitchens, steak and buffet rooms suited to groups after a long day on the flats.
- Road snacks and supplies: Stock water, electrolyte drinks and sun friendly snacks in town before heading to the salt. There are no services on the course.
- Race week tip: On major event weeks, dinner lines grow fast Thursday - Sunday. Book or go early if you are traveling as a group.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Silver Island Mountains Backcountry Byway: Scenic unpaved loop skirting the flats with overlooks. High clearance is helpful after storms. Carry plenty of water.
- Bonneville Speedway road cycle: Early morning spins on the paved approach road are flat and photogenic. Avoid riding on the salt unless event rules allow pedestrian access and the crust is dry and firm.
- Antelope Island State Park: If you have a spare day near Salt Lake City, combine bison viewing with calm shoreline walks and lake views.
- Floating the Great Salt Lake - Great Salt Lake State Park: Gentle float experience on calm days closer to Salt Lake City if you are extending your trip east.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Great Basin National Park - Nevada - About 2.5 to 3 hours. Lehman Caves tours, bristlecone pines and Wheeler Peak scenic drives. Reserve cave tickets in advance.
- Spiral Jetty & Golden Spike sites - 2.5 to 3 hours each way on the north arm of Great Salt Lake. Remote roads and limited services - check conditions.
- Ruby Mountains - Lamoille Canyon - Around 3 hours. High alpine basin with short trails and big granite scenery near Elko, best as an overnight add on.
- Bonneville Shoreline and Foothill trails - Salt Lake area - 1.75 to 2.25 hours. Easy hikes with city and lake vistas if you route via SLC.
- Sun Tunnels land art - Utah West Desert - Roughly 2 hours on mixed surfaces. Striking concrete tunnels aligned to solstices, great at sunrise or sunset. Go prepared for remote travel.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Remote desert sites often have no fuel or shade - plan water, maps and daylight carefully.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Late summer usually hosts Speed Week and other record meets. All are weather and surface dependent. Hotels in Wendover fill Thursday - Sunday and may require multi night minimums.
- Weather - Expect intense sun, glare and heat by day with rapid temperature drops after sunset. Wind can raise salt dust. Winter to spring often brings standing water. Pack layers, sun protection and closed footwear that can handle salt.
Practical notes for the salt flats
- Respect closures: The flats are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Do not drive onto the salt when gates or signs indicate closure or when the surface is wet. Ruts cause long term damage.
- Stay on firm surfaces: Use the established access and event approaches. Avoid dark or damp patches. If you sink, stop and back out slowly to firmer ground.
- Vehicle care: Salt is highly corrosive. Use on site wash pads when available or rinse underbody and brakes in town as soon as possible after leaving the salt.
- Eyes and skin: The white crust reflects hard light. Bring UV sunglasses, hat, high SPF sunscreen, lip balm and long sleeves. Consider a sun umbrella for kids.
- Water and shade: There is no natural shade. Carry more water than you think you need, plus snacks and a small first aid kit. A compact pop up shade or reflective tarp helps for longer spectating stints.
- Leave no trace: Pack out all trash, including zip ties and tape from pits. Keep vehicles and tents off vegetated margins at the edges of the flats.
Access, event schedules and surface conditions can change quickly with weather. Check official event organizers, BLM notices and local advisories for your exact dates.
