Anyone who has ever picked up an automotive magazine of any sort has seen dramatic photos and read vivid descriptions of the competition on the Bonneville Salt Flats. But with apologies to those writers and photographers who have tried to capture on paper and film what the place is all about, in our opinion, the only way to truly experience the sight, sound, and heritage of such a unique place is firsthand.
Each year there are a host of spectators on the salt, and it seems like more and more of those making the trip from the far-flung corners of the country are doing it in a street rod. Let's face it, lots of rodders want to drive somewhere and then have something to do other than sit in a lawn chair hour upon hour. If that's the case, Bonneville may just be the ultimate rod run. After all, it's a pretty good haul to get there from almost anywhere else, so you get plenty of driving time. And once you arrive you get to see some of the most amazing vehicles on the planet and have the opportunity to meet the true pioneers of hot rodding. There's also a variety of cool places to visit at night. You might even hear a few stories, and maybe some tall tales. Best of all, no one will care if you clean the bugs off the paint or polish the chrome.
At the Speed Week 2003 ace photographer Peter Vincent took a break from photographing race cars and turned his lens toward some of the outstanding street rods that were on the salt. And while the cars were unique, they all had some things in common: they were cool, they were driven, and they were there. Shouldn't you and your street rod be there too? Speed Week 2004 is August 14-20 so make plans now. We'll see you there!