Best time to go to Utah

Bonneville Speed Week 2023

Racing events have been held among these beautiful landscapes since 1912

Dates: September 8–11, 2023

Bonneville Speed Week
Bonneville Speed Week
Bonneville Speed Week

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.

Practical info

How long are the Bonneville Salt Flats?

The salt flats are about 12 mi (19 km) long and 5 mi (8 km) wide. Show more

Where is Speed Week held?

Bonneville Speedway. Coordinates: 40.7628998,-113.8948611. The Speedway can be reached via Bonneville Speedway Access Road west of West Wendover. Show more

What can you do at Bonneville Salt Flats?

Besides attending the speed races, you can do plenty of things at Bonneville Salt Flats. Play croquet, go and visit Mystery Ball Tree, drive, have a picnic, fly a kite, examine salt crystals with magnifying glass or microscope, and follow bug and animal tracks. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin