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Smithsonian MagazineNov 19, 2025
Meet the Daredevils Chasing Down Speed Records at the Bonneville Salt Flats
Race officials, tinkerers and competitors converge in Utah every fall to test both metal and mettle
Big August gathering, a weeklong burst of noise and sun
22 things in this story
- Bonneville NationalsFestivalWorld finals held every September on the salt flats
- Southern California Timing Association (SCTA)PlaceSteward of land speed racing for over 75 years
- The World’s Fastest IndianPlaceFilm about Burt Munro's pursuit of speed records
- Blue BirdPlaceMalcolm Campbell's car that broke 300 mph
- Speed WeekFestivalBig August gathering, a weeklong burst of noise and sun
- Puckett Land Speed RacingPlaceColorado-based team Kristin Stewart races for
- Blitzen BenzPlaceCar that reached 142.8 mph in 1914
- Indian ScoutPlace1920 motorcycle Burt Munro reworked
- Jill IversenPlaceChief starter for 14 years, manages rhythm and order
- John MullinsPlaceMaster woodworker and builder, first came in 2024
- Kristin StewartPlaceRaces motorcycles, holds nine land speed records
- Fremont High School’s automotive technology programPlaceStudents bused in to watch the competition
- Roger McMullinPlaceBuilding race cars at 73, reached 251 mph last season
- McMullin Goldfelty Abbott Racing TeamPlaceTeam with a C-class blown modified roadster
- Remi WoodwardPlaceChasing a production motorcycle record, reached 169 mph
- 2021 Kawasaki ZX-6RPlaceMostly stock motorcycle Remi Woodward rides
- Salty Box Racing TeamPlaceColorado-based team whose drivers have surpassed 300 mph
- Adam RogersPlaceDriver who averaged 317 mph for a record
- Salt ShadowPlaceWayne-headed 235-cubic-inch Chevrolet sprint car engine
- XXO/VFCC-class carPlaceCompetition coupe body, chases 1992 record of 157 mph
- Salt Circus LawshePlaceOwns and campaigns the XXO/VFCC-class car
- Burt MunroPlace