A word of encouragement if you have never made it to Bonneville

"You are certainly the most distinguished group of highway scofflaws and degenerates ever gathered together in one place." Yates (Brock???)
Now that's a by-line!<!-- / sig -->

 

I'm the guy 52 Plymouth is talking about. We're finishing up the old coupe and will be at World of Speed in September. Building the car was my wife's idea and Bob is right, I would never have made it without some pretty amazing friends. If any of you see a old Plymouth in the pits, stop and say hi. Thanks for the post, Bob.

 

I'm just a line chaser......Black or White.

 

This post is exactly right. You *have* to be there to really experience it. The sights, sounds, people, friends, salt, heat, cars, trucks, scenery, competition, comradery are all part of the experience.

This will be my 10th year in a row going. I also started as spectator and now plan to race there, but car not close to ready. Looks more like a junkyard refugee than a race car! But it will get there.

 

My one and only time out there was 2003. Flew out there with two of my buds. One of the most memorable things I have ever done. But the next time I go back, if there is one I will definately bring a car to run.

 

Ive drove by muliple times over the years,but never stopped. I work for a company that has paid vacations, so next year Im going.
Problem is everyone Ive talked to who has went now is a addict. I need to add to my hobbies.

 

I went in '92 to 'help' a friends race team, it was Frank Oddo and John Hesford's Redi Strip Special tank. The blown 302 ford made lots of noise, but no record. But what I saw and what I did, and who I met forever change who I was and what I wanted to do. Then before 'Bucket List' became the phrase of us gray beards, I went to Speed Week, actually I was forced to go, as I had contacted Cancer and it was looking bad. It was a trip to talk about and remember and I shot maybe 50 black and white images and then I had to figure out what to do with them. Then I started a little calendar, and I went back to sell and take pictures,, actually I was driven to do it. Then I got lucky, after 3 years of ugly drugs, a new drug and I started to get better. And the calendar started to get better, because I had a drive to try to show the world what goes on during Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This is not a plug for the calendar, this is a plug that life is too short, and you never give up, and you follow your dreams.

 

I went in 2007 and documented it here..its archived somewhere. its a religious experience if you believe in cars..

Spike

 

No matter how much I try, I still can't get some of my friends to make the trek to Bonneville. They have no idea what they're missing out on!!
Leaving Thursday morning -- should be a great trip!

Here ya go!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=202525&showall=1



Malcolm

 

The only disappointment of my first time at Bonneville was that it took me so long to get there. I haven't been able to make it every year, but every year I can't go is a disappointment.

 

Went last year just to cross it off the ol' bucket list. Needless to say, I leave again on Saturday for the 625 mile trip. Dick Martin warned me that I'd contract that sickness known as "salt fever". A nice long solo road trip knowing that good friends and good times are just a few more miles down the road make me feel real. A lot of seat time to think about what you have in your life and how lucky we all are to live in this great country. See you on the salt!!

 

The fist year me and my buddy went , I remember telling him " I feel sorry for everbody who aint us" He set a record last year and got in the 2 club!! Chris

 

I am finally scratching this itch this year. I have no job, no money, but I have the time for once. I am taking my 11 year old son on a cross country adventure on a budget. Leaving Friday morning hope to be there Saturday by noon local time.

 

Installing seatbelts today in my 60' f100 for my wife and newborn and leaving saturday from washington for my first speed week. Dropping them off with family in southern Idaho and will be lone wolfing from there. Man, it don't get much sweeter than this. Thanks for all the inspiration guys. Look for a wide eyed kook in a grey primered f100 at the bend.

 

Do it...do it..

 

Leave earlier. Get there before sunrise so you can roll out at first light and get a good spectator spot on the big end.

Sunrise over the salt is a magical experience.

 

I think its better when you do it spur of the moment. Its the shock of the emersion that gets you when you step out on the salt for the first time.

 

Tommy, the roadster is loaded, as well as half of the shit in the shop. I can't wait!

Love,
Elvis

 

First time in 2000 man what a trip been twice will go next year it is so flat, can talk to any body and look over ther sholder and bs with them

 

Salt Fever is like a STD.....you come by it thru passion, and it's almost impossible to cure...
BenD and his sons exposed me in 2010, and I haven't been the same since. Flat Top Bob tried to lure me there this week("fly out--we have a room")...but I am strong(read that:broke).....Next year, I will again hear the salty siren's song....will I succumb? I know I want it......

 

I've been twice. Nothing else like it!




Last was in 2009. I posted a little thread here:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393207

I want to drive my 40 out there. It WILL happen, someday....... You guys who live close have no excuses!! What are you waiting for??