Thread: Bonneville. Who has been there?

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Watching Car Crazy the other night got me wanting to go to Bonneville for Speed Week. It looks like a blast.

Who has been there and what can you tell us about where to stay, airports near by, camping, can you drive right up to where the racers are or do you park somewhere remote, etc.


Don

Never been Don, but drove past it. Watch "the world's fastest Indian" great flick feauturing some hotels nearbye.

We drive, but I think the nearest decent size airport is Salt Lake City. The closest town (just a few miles) is Wendover. Quite a few good sized hotels, but book early, lots of cruising done there at nights. Sometimes you can get a room by checking for cancellations. Wells NV is about 50 miles away and has quite a few Motels too, folks often stay there (helps to look at a map to understand proximities here). There's a "camping" area just off the freeway, next to the access road to the flats. No assigned spaces, no hookups or formal facilities (though some porta-potties at one end), but lots of flat space to park a motor home, trailer, or tent. It can be party central, fireworks and all, so don't plan on lots of sleep.

As far as accessability at the "track", it's pretty close to wide open, come and go as you please, (except the actual course surface of course) though they do control vehicle access to the pits and staging areas. Lots of viewing room. Bring lots of water, a hat, water, and sun screen (and water). We used a motor home and some quads to get back and forth from the camping area to the race site, makes for good combo.

Here's what camping looks like.

I understand the Curry and Fjiastadt families have been regulars there. Bob, have you met these people?

Originally Posted by deuce4papa

Bob, have you met these people?

No I haven't, at least not that I remember......

Was there two years ago for the 60th Anniversary,due to numerous NZ teams competing.Had a blast and would have gone this year but Hot August Nights was in full swing.We ended up camping in a couple of tents and had a great time.Parked the car at the pits area and used bicycles to get around.Worked out well but it is a couple of miles to the start line.And as mentioned above take sunscreen and big hats,is tough to convince boss that you were sick when you show upto work with a suntan.

I go every year, and Bob P. has got it covered. Hotel rooms are very hard to find, so start calling now. You will probably be put on a waiting list, but call back often, there are usually cancellations, but camping at the "bend" is always a possibility.

The first part of the week is usually the most interesting. Theres lots of cruising and an evening gathering in front of the Nugget Casino that is unbelieveable if you are into traditional hot rods.

Once you go it will get in your blood, and just possibly ruin you for life!!

Mick

Originally Posted by lurker mick

........... and just possibly ruin you for life!!

Mick

Isn't that the whole point of hot rodding Mick?

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

Vendors for food and stuff?
Don

Not at the salt.
The ONE grocery store in Wendover does land office business that week...............especially in ice and WATER.

I really want to go now. Sounds like it is pretty remote and not many facilities so camping might be the way to go. I'm not a camper normally but in this case it looks like the best alternative. I guess it is REALLY hot and the whiteness magnifies it a lot.

I know they call it Speed Week, but how many days are actually the races? Besides the racing is there much else to do? Vendors for food and stuff? I've been thinking a minibike might be handy.

Thanks for all the info so far guys.


Don

Originally Posted by deuce4papa

I understand the Curry and Fjiastadt families have been regulars there. Bob, have you met these people?

I know them both very well, Frank Curry and I are in the same car club and I used to date Roy Fyastad daughter Kathy. Is there something specific you wanted to know?
Ken

Been both a competitor and a spectator over the years.
Book a room now, as they go fast in town.
Lotsa sun screen, big hat, and don't wear shorts
(the sun reflects off the salt)

Don ..... been by it on a couple X country motorcycle trips & like you I always wanted to stop in ... HOT in July/August.

I'm in if you looking to slit some rooms/cost Don. Keep me posted.

paul

Originally Posted by REGs

Don ..... been by it on a couple X country motorcycle trips & like you I always wanted to stop in ... HOT in July/August.

I'm in if you looking to slit some rooms/cost Don. Keep me posted.

paul

You all are talking my neck of the woods. Bonneville is a great time. West Wendover Nevada has a couple of casino/hotels to stay in that are pretty nice and Wendover Utah (which really the same place just cut down the middle) has a few cheaper spots. It is very HOT in August, temps around 110 on the salt is common. Much cooler for the speed runs in October.

Will be out there again this year forSPEED WEEK in August and I may have a extra room at the Motel 6 !

Will be going again this year in August for SPEED WEEK and I have a extra room at Motel 6 in Wendover,ut. Got plenty of Salt for A Margarita !!!