Priceless Writer - Travel & Recreation

Calling all speed demons and racecar enthusiasts – northwestern Utah is home to an ancient glacial lake turned speedway that holds quite a history. Located west of the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the largest of its kind, measuring 159 square miles. Accessible by Interstate 80, locals and tourists alike come to take pictures, test out their vehicles, as well as enjoy the sights and sounds of the Bonneville Speedway.

In 1896, it was W.D. Rishel, who first recognized the potential of the Bonneville Salt Flats, as he searched for suitable bike-racing grounds. The location showed promise for prime speed testing and continued to gain interest throughout the years. During the 1930's, an international spotlight blanketed the salt flats, as Malcolm Campbell (the first person to drive a car more than 300 miles per hour), set his final land speed record at Bonneville in 1935. There is even an old motorcycle named the Triumph Bonneville – after the salt flats that served as a site for many motorcycle speed records.

Today, the Bonneville Speedway plays host to many different high-speed racecar competitions – some of which have reached speeds of 600 miles per hour. Each year, tourists and participants rally up for Speed Week, a festival that takes advantage of the best weather conditions for achieving top speeds. For example, the Ford Hydrogen Fusion 999 (a fuel cell car) hit 200 mph this month.

Interesting Fact: Portions of Hollywood hits, such as "Independence Day" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" have been filmed at the salt flats.

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