EVs Take on Bonneville’s Legendary Tracks

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY DAN CORONADO

MATTHEW Deeley aka “The Wheeling Welshman” on his record run.

I F El Mirage evokes the dusty charm of the old West, then Bonneville feels more like Mad Max meets the dragstrip. This isn’t just any dragstrip, though—it’s something far more iconic. As you drive onto the salt flats, there’s a feeling like stepping onto hallowed ground, a sensation akin to walking into the Roman Colosseum where gladiators once battled. For decades, legendary racers have left their mark here, and names like Burt Munro echo in the minds of those who respect speed. Even the vehicles are legendary, with names like the “Speed Demon,” the “Buckeye Bullet,” and the “Turbinator” capturing the imagination.

Familiar Faces, New Records Once again, many familiar faces gather for the annual Speed Week, organized by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) and Bonneville Nationals Inc. (BNI) since 1949. The electric vehicle (EV) presence is still small but growing. This year we saw two seasoned competitors, Matthew Deeley and Jim Hoogerhyde, returning to Bonneville—each with records under their belts.

THE two trophies of Speed Week on display. The one on the left goes to the fastest motorcycle of the week, and the one on the right goes to the fastest car of the week. The “Wheeling Welshman” ends up being the fastest bike of the week putting his name on the Hudson Wheeler Memorial trophy and becoming the first EV to end up on a Speed Week trophy in history.