Bonneville Speedway is approx 90 miles west of Salt Lake City, UT off I-80.
The closest town is Wendover, right on the Nevada/Utah border. Accommodations, food and casinos are all located here.
The closest airport for commercial flights is Salt Lake City. Rental cars are available in SLC to drive to Bonneville.
Access to the flats is via a 5 mile paved road (Speedway road). From Wendover, the exit off the freeway is ‘Exit 4- Bonneville Speedway’. Just after the truck stop there is a sharp right turn. Take notice of all BLM posted signs and the speed limit. All access for all vehicles is via this road. When you reach the end of the road it comes to a cul-de-sac or the ‘boat ramp’ as we have come to know it. This is where the front entry gate is located. Always keep in the right hand lane. The left lane must remain clear at all times for exiting vehicles and especially emergency vehicles. Do not park your vehicle anywhere on the access road edges unless you are given permission by the event staff to do so.
Access is generally available just after dawn. You are not permitted onto the salt surface until an event staff member gives you permission.
The salt is not very thick around the access road, and in several other areas. Stay on the designated paths at all times. Do not drive into the mud. The towing fee will cost you over $500 and it is not unusual for more than one vehicle to need to be ‘rescued’ after trying to save another.
If the salt floods due to rain, you can still exit. Drive slowly and follow the designated path at all times. There may be some standing water at the end of the access road (that’s why we call it the boat ramp) this is generally safe to drive through- but always follow the directions of the event staff.
The Bureau of Land Management has a great travel advisory explaining what to look out for when accessing the salt:
Entry includes walking access to the pits to view motorcycles etc. Parking is only in the designated spectator areas and your vehicle must display it’s dash pass (received at the gate). The passes may be purchased at the front gate. The front gate is cash only.
The conditions out at Bonneville can be harsh. If you are going out there for the first time and are not sure what to expect, there are a number of things that you should make sure that you bring:
Sunglasses- The salt, like snow, is extremely bright, and glaring. Even in the shade you will need to have sunglasses.
Hat– A wide brim hat is recommended to protect both your face, ears and neck. Baseball caps do not provide as good sun coverage, but are better than not wearing a hat- it is up to your personal preference.
Sunscreen The higher the SPF coverage the better, but remember to re-apply it regularly. Don’t forget to cover all exposed areas, including (and this will sound weird) your lips (lip balm/chapstick) and under your nose and chin! The sun will reflect up from the salt surface and can still burn areas you would not expect. Waterproof sunscreen is also a good idea as you may sweat in the heat.
Clothing Long pants are recommended to protect against the sun. I recommend long, lightweight pants- Cargo pants or hiking pants work really well. Once again this is about personal preference.
Though we expect it to be hot during the day, you may need a lightweight sweater as the mornings tend to be a cool.
Closed toe shoes are best so that the salt doesn’t rub against your feet. Make sure they are comfortable! Shoes should be ones that you don’t mind getting rid of after the event (don’t wear your good trainers!). Bring a spare pair for the evening and/or traveling.
Camera To snap those wonderful memories.
Shade There are no stands or shading for spectators out there. You will need to bring your own semi permanent shading such as ez-ups. Some spectators stake their spot to watch with their vehicle near by tuned to our FM radio station to hear what is going on. A tarp for the ground will also help keep salt off some surfaces. Don’t forget to take your shade structures down each night as the evening/night winds can be very severe. Many ez-ups have been destroyed due to this.
Cash While we have credit card facilities at registration, not all vendors do. We have merchandise for sale and the food vendors may only deal with cash. There are ATM’s in town and at the casinos if you need more. The front gate is cash with limited credit card support.
Weather/Temperature We are expecting the weather range through the 80’s – 90’s and the forecast is for sun!
A full list of contact details is on our site under lodging information. There are RV parks, campgrounds and hotel accommodations for all budgets.
There is NO CAMPING on the salt. EVERYONE must exit the salt by dark per the BLM. Do not ask if you can stay because you will not be allowed. When security asks you to leave please do so.
We have a food and drinks vendor available with reasonably priced good food and drinks available for breakfast and lunch.
There is an FM radio station that we broadcast from during the meet so that you can hear the action as it is happening. Bring a small portable radio or tune in your car radios. Frequency is listed at the gate or in the registration area.
Restrooms:
There are multiple port-a-johns located in the pits and access roads.
Trash:
Please pack up and take all your trash with you each day. There are limited dumpsters provided.
Car washes for your vehicle and any rental vehicles you may have to return are at the west end of town. It may help you avoid a large cleaning charge. Most of them have change machines. Quarters are also available at the casinos.
Stores there is a grocery store (Smiths) at the west end of town, and a small grocery store east of the border line also. Smith’s does carry some hardware.
Truck Stop the truck stop near the off ramp on your way to the flats is the last stop for gas, food and water. It also has an Indian restaurant attached. The previous Mexican restaurant “The Salt Flats Cafe” has moved into town.
West Wendover tourist information brochure
West Wendover/Wendover City Map
For more information visit City of West Wendover Tourism & Converntion Bureau
The official vendor for gas and fuel is Paul Oil Company: Sunoco Race Fuels. Paul Oil Company provides many different fuel blends beyond race gas. Additionally, Paul Oil Company is the required vendor for all “gas” class entries. For details on what will be available at BMST, plus additional items for purchase check the Fuel Services Page here.
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