Okay, for all you first timers to Bonneville, I think we should help you all out to make the most of your trip. When you get to the salt there are 3 main places to hang out. The pits, the starting line, and a comfortable spot on the side line. {a good place to set up a base camp, pick a landmark like the gas truck to make it easy to find your way back}. But there's a LOT else to see and do while your there. Of course there's the cruise night at the State Line Casino in Wendover. Usually really hoppin' for the first few nights, but let's talk about other things you might miss. Those mountains in the back ground? It's not hard to get to the top of most of them. At the Bend in the Road, take the road going up the hill. It wraps around behind those mountains, and leads to some easy trails that will get you to the tops. A great trip on a dirt bike if you got one, but you can drive a car, or truck most of the way, then hike the rest. just give yourself lots of time, and make sure your tank is at least half full. Don't forget your camera. That red dot is my truck. I drove that far, and hike to the top where this pic was taken. Any other Salt veterans feel free to chime in...
Find the historical Airport below Wendover. There are plenty of signs telling what and where everything was. This is the field that the "Enola Gay", and "Bocks Car" train to drop the A-Bombs. But also while you're there check out the cargo plane from the movie, "Con Air". They've now made it possible to go inside. On the same subject, don't miss the Museum telling the history of the field up on the main drag of Wendover.
Oh yeah, that;s the main draw. but try a different view. It is possible to get to the top of the floating island. Plus you don't want to miss the cruise nights at the State Line Casino.
That '33 in the second pic shows up every year and has some CRAZY obsolete speed parts, pretty sure it has been in that configuration since the 40's or so.................. 2 fkn kewl!
Aw man! don't forget to mention eating! My favorite eating options are definitely, Breakfast at the bend, Lunch from a cooler out on the salt, and wrap it out with Gorditas at he lil' Mexican joint in the Casino! Those things are SO GOOD! Then Y'all could come bye and see me, my mustache, and my Lincoln at the Stateline! I've been Pinstriping there there for the last 5 years, and hey, I'm friendly. Aside from that, "Greenies" need to remember to bring - Binoculars - Sunscreen - sunglasses - Some Kinda' Shade - a Camera - And WATER, like Shitloads of Water! the general rule would be the same as Firewood: when you think you have enough, double it.
That's right, if you're on a low budget, like I usually am, I hit the 1 dollar menu at the couple burger joints in town, but always include a casino buffet. Don't go there on the weekend though, that's full price. wait untill a weekday. If you gotta have a Starbucks, the only one I know of is the main floor of the State Line Casino. There is also some great BBQ parties at the Bend put on by some great clubs. Thank you "Bean Bandits", and "Forever Four". I had a terrific time meeting some HAMBers there in the past.
Also a bicycle, minibike or some means to get around out there on the salt. It is a big place and you can do a whole lot of walking. A bike is nice to have for getting around. Almost everyone in the pits is real friendly, just stay out of the way and be respectful of them working or discussing things. Once you set up a base spot, have a CB radio to listen to the results. Also broadcasts on AM, but the CB is the primary course communications. The AM gives extra background on the particular cars, CB is better for speed results.
haven't been out there for 10 years or so. we'd get up early, go get some donuts, bread, lunch meat and tons of bottled water to put in our cooler. then we'd spend 12+ hours on the salt, go back to the hotel, shower and then hit a casino buffet. next day, repeat. ditto on the water. drink a lot of it. it's so dry you hardly even sweat. it all evaporates before it has time to bead up on you....unlike where i live where, as soon as you step outside, sweat starts pouring off of you because of the 90% humidity.
thanks boeing bomber for the thread. the stars are aligning and i will probably be going. yee haw. found some good info at landracing.com like you suggested. under faq.
Might want to keep in mind that minibikes will not be allowed this year due to a pit accident last year. I believe a Honda Trail 70 size is the minimum but bycycles are Ok. You must have wheels of some kind to really enjoy it. If you do one of those mountains tours dont drive out on the salt out there. Its a long walk back and a long time before someone else comes along to help you get unstuck. A popup canopy is a must, the sun will bake your brain !
Open air hot breakfast from the Red Flame Grill on the Salt as the sun comes up everyday. Ride around after racing, See Frontage Road and try to find the drag strip. Watch the warplanes do touch and go's at the Wendover Field. Must Do. Have your picture taken in front of the Wendover Will Welcome sign. Hang out at the Bend after dark for the fireworks. Find the 608 AA/GL and say hello to me. I'm the youngest old guy in the pit Frank
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