The 1949 Bonneville speed trials marked the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) first foray into land speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats, expanding from its dry lake events to this premier location. This expansion introduced the “hot rod era” to Bonneville, attracting returning GIs and their custom-built cars like ’32 Ford Coupes and Highboy Roadsters to compete alongside traditional streamliners. The first Bonneville gathering saw the introduction of innovative designs, such as Howard Johansen’s twin-tank streamliner, and established the Bonneville Salt Flats as a key venue for land speed enthusiasts.
Key Aspects of the 1949 Trials
- SCTA’s Expansion: The SCTA, formed in 1937 to organize dry lake racing, extended its operations to the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1949.
Shift to Hot Rods:
The 1949 event ushered in a new era at Bonneville, one that included a significant number of home-built hot rods and custom vehicles, not just high-budget streamliners.
Diverse Participants:
The event attracted a wide range of participants, from drivers of powerful streamliners aiming for high speeds to hot rodders showcasing their unique creations.
Innovations:
Howard Johansen’s twin-tank streamliner, with the engine in one tank and the driver’s compartment in the other, was a notable example of innovative design showcased at the 1949 trials.
Establishment as a Major Event:
The initial Bonneville gatherings quickly established the Salt Flats as a premier speedway for land speed racing, attracting enthusiasts and competitors from around the world.
Legacy of the 1949 Event
- The success of the 1949 events laid the foundation for Speed Week, a major annual land speed racing event at Bonneville.
It also spurred the creation of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club, an organization formed to recognize drivers who achieve speeds of over 200 mph on the Salt Flats
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