Send us a text The unsung heroes of motorsports often operate just beyond the spotlight, their critical work making high-speed glory possible while ensuring competitors return safely. Monte Widdison stands as a perfect example – the tall, calm presence who's been the last person thousands of racers see before accelerating down Bonneville's Salt Flats. For over 30 years, Monte has served as head starter for the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association, developing an approach to safety that racers credi...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 45
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Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 44
Send us a text The episode explores the critical state of the Bonneville Salt Flats, detailing its history, the effects of mining, and the community's fight for its preservation through initiatives like Save the Salt. The Legendary Larry Volk shares insights on the challenges posed by land use and the necessity for collective action to restore the flats for future generations. • Historical context of potash mining • Environmental impact of brine withdrawal • Formation of Save the Salt Coalition ...
Feb 12, 2025•47 min•Ep. 43
Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to transition from the waves of offshore powerboat racing to the straight-line adrenaline rush of land speed racing? Join us as we chat with Andrew Sinclair, a racing enthusiast from New Zealand, whose narrative is a tapestry woven with the threads of his father's legacy, personal perseverance, and a love for speed. From exhilarating beach buggy rides to powerboat triumphs, Andrew's journey into racing is nothing short of inspiring. You'll hear about hi...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 42
Send us a text What happens when a casual encounter at a bar ignites a lifelong passion for land speed racing and The Bonneville Salt Flats? Meet our legendary guest, Pam Curtis Olson, who transformed from a racing novice to accomplished racer on the Bonneville salt flats. Pam's journey is a tale of bold spirit and unyielding determination, seasoned with humor and the camaraderie of the racing community. Her daring request to race Terry Nish's streamliner lead Pam on the journey of a lifetime! N...
Nov 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 41
Send us a text Join us as Wayne Yurtin, the rising star of Bonneville's land speed racing scene, takes us on a thrilling journey fueled by his lifelong passion for speed and mechanics. From his BMX beginnings to mastering the racetrack with Formula Fords and Formula Mazdas, Wayne's story is one of relentless pursuit and love for racing. His early fascination with speed legends like the Blue Flame and Gary Gablich sowed the seeds for his ambitious feats at Bonneville. Hear how his transition from...
Oct 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 40
Send us a text What ignites a lifelong passion for speed? Let's journey back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, where a 1940 Ford coupe sparked an unquenchable thirst for racing. From joining the Roadrunner's Car Club to the electrifying moment of witnessing Mickey Thompson's streamliner at Bonneville in 1959, we explore the early days of land speed racing. Hear about the camaraderie and the challenges faced during those formative years, racing at the lakes and then moving on to the Bonneville S...
Sep 17, 2024•40 min•Ep. 39
Send us a text Tim Confal began his racing career with a '69 Camaro in the San Fernando Valley in the late 70's which evolved to drag racing a fuel altered. While drag racing, he met Roger Gate and Bill Ward and started crewing on their streamliner at El Mirage and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Tim ended up running his own car, the memorable front engine Lakester named Myrtle. Tim entered the Bonneville 200 MPH Club in 1989 driving an Opal GT. He connected with Bob Noice, and they began racing road...
Aug 27, 2024•34 min•Ep. 38
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY LARRY ERICKSON is a passionate automotive enthusiast who first found himself at the Bonneville Salt Flats during a college break. Alone at Speed Week with just a sleeping bag in his El Camino, he began sketching the impressive vehicles he encountered. His artistic talents didn't go unnoticed, sparking connections with fellow racers and enthusiasts, and leading to him designing some iconic Speed Week posters. Larry's early experiences evolved into a fascinating career...
Jul 23, 2024•33 min•Ep. 37
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY DANNY BURROW is just a good old boy from the heartland who happens to go really fast! He went from driving trucks for George Poteet to driving George's Blown Fuel Comp Coup "The Blowfish" over 300 MPH! Danny gained memebership in the Bonneville 200 MPH Club in 2010 and later on earned the 300 MPH Chapter blue hat. Danny is probably the only LAND SPEED LEGEND to get a street named after them because of their land speed accomplishments! This is an entertaining intervie...
Apr 23, 2024•48 min•Ep. 36
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY WILLIE FREUDIGER made his first trip to Bonneville with his dad when he was 11 years old. Now, one of the few 3rd generational racers the Freudiger name is a well established and respected land speed racing name. Willie is wild, loves nitro and is the go to guy if you need someone to drive your ride. But most of all, he is a man who wants to see others succeed in land speed racing. Willie and the other Freudigers are the epitomy of what a land speed racing is about! ...
Feb 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 35
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY DAVE DAVIDSON is probably best known for being the first person to go 300 MPH in a roadster! Going 300 MPH in a highboy is as impressive as Dave is. Dave grew up wild and free on a ranch in California. He wanted a motorcycle when he was young but his mother would not allow it so instead he began small town drag racing (at a much too young age) and his need for speed never stopped from there! Dave upgraded from illegal drag racing to sanctioned events, he finally got ...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 34
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY FRANK SILVA'S first trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats was with his dad when he was seventeen years old. That year they came out as spectators but it didn't last long and within a few years they were wrenching and racing the Got Salt Lakester. Frank's dad, Frank Sr., took six years to get a record in that car but it only took the junior Frank one! Unfortunely, his dad had passed away by the time he gothis record that earned him entry into the 300 MPH Chapter of Bonnev...
Sep 05, 2023•29 min•Ep. 33
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY SCOTT GUTHRIE first took his Harley motorcycle to the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1973. He was hooked after setting a record and getting to experience the spirit of land speed racing through fellow racers. He came back the following year with great success. He had even more success when he switched to a Yamaha that he brought out in 1984. Scott teamed up with THE LEGENDARY JIM BURKDOLL and his Pink Thunder Streamliner to get into the Bonneville 200 MPH Club. Scott conti...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 32
Send us a text Thirty one episodes and one year later from the very first episode of Land Speed Legends my niece, Megan Volk, interviews me THE LEGENDARY ALLISON VOLK DEAN. That seems weird to write about myself but like I tell all my guests, in land speed racing, everyone is a legend in their own mind! In this episode of Land Speed Legends I talk about what it was like growing up in land speed racing out at the Bonneville Salt Flats. I also detail some of my racing experiences and getting into ...
Aug 01, 2023•34 min•Ep. 31
Send us a text The legendary Fred Dannenfelzer has the classic story of SoCal hot rodder turned drag racer turned land speed racer. His first trip to Bonneville with a car was in 1961 with a high boy roadster before he upgraded to a modified roadster. But his need for speed was not satisfied so he built a lakester with his eyes set on a 300 MPH record. He accomplished his goal and is a handful of people in both the Bonnevile & El Mirage 300 MPH Chapter of those 200 MPH Club's. He kept drivin...
Jul 18, 2023•30 min•Ep. 30
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY RUSS EYRES started racing and modifying motor scooters at a very young age on his family's farm in Iowa before they moved to San Diego in 1953. His interest in land speed racing was ignited when his brother's boss, Lou Bingham, let Russ and his brother help him work on his car he raced at Bonneville. Eventually he decided to build his own car and raced in various classes. He entered the Bonneville 200 MPH Club in 2010 and brought a few others along with him too inclu...
Jul 04, 2023•45 min•Ep. 29
Send us a text The LEGENDARY CARLOS WHEELDON'S dad introduced him to land speed racing at a young age and as he got older they dreamed of making plans to visit the Bonneville Salt Flats. When his dad passed away Carlos realized there is no time like the present to go. From the moment he gets to the salt his encounters with people he meets confirms that he is meant to be there. After that first visit he ends up coming back every year, sacraficing life in England, to work events three months out o...
Jun 20, 2023•36 min•Ep. 28
Send us a text Like most of our guests, THE LEGENDARY DENNIS SULLIVAN was born with a love of cars and began other types of racing young. But eventually he found himself spectating at a race meet at the Bonneville Salt Flats and was hooked! After volunteering for the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA) for several years he decided it was time to try the other side. He bought himself a street roadster and began setting land speed records not only at USRA meets but some East Coast Timing As...
Jun 06, 2023•55 min•Ep. 27
Send us a text I can't think of very many people that love land speed racing as much as THE LEGENDARY DONNY CUMMINS! His roots in racing run deep and he was destined for this sport before he was even born! Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and hardworking he has big plans for his future in land speed racing and I am confident he is going to accomplish them! Support the show...
May 23, 2023•52 min•Ep. 26
Send us a text From Sprint Cars to Indy Cars to Bonneville Mike Nish was a racing machine! His racing career mirrored his life with thrilling ups and devastating downs. But like a legend he overcame! His influence on land speed racing is undeniable. He entered the Bonneville 200 MPH Club and 300 MPH Chapter in 1996 with a speed of 304.700 MPH. He had many records and runs that excelled that speed, including a top speed of 412 MPH! Today we celebrate THE LEGENDARY MIKE NISH!!! Support the show...
May 09, 2023•57 min•Ep. 25
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY LLOYD PARRY is a hot rodder at heart and from a young age he was working on anything that had wheels. His involvement in land speed racing started whe he was introduced to Dave Skidmore. Him and Dave ran a '64 Dodge Dart. When the Dart engine blew up he began working the USFRA races. Starting as a course steward he is now currently the assistant race director and manages the short course for the USFRA meets. Support the show...
Apr 25, 2023•50 min•Ep. 24
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY HUGH COTHARP first went to Bonneville in 1958. He spectated until 1971 until he began crewing for the Skidmore/Alanson's Studebaker. In 1976 he ran his own car a V4/STR and set a record at 88MPH. He then went on to crew the Vesco's 444 car and Don Vesco's m/c streamliners. He was also one of the original founders of the USFRA and their treasurer for 38 years. He also owned a car restoration business and was one of 3 people who helped with the restoration on the Mormo...
Apr 11, 2023•59 min•Ep. 23
Send us a text THE LEGNDARY RON CHRISTENSEN was practically born with an obsession for cars and racing. Growing up in Wendover Utah gave him a unique advantage and access to witness the Golden Days of Bonneville and extensive knowledge of Bonneville and the history of the area around the salt flats. His attention eventually graduated to sports cars which eventually turned into a very successful career in all types of road racing. But the love of Bonneville eventually drove him back to his roots ...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 22
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY CHAD ZUPAN first trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats was when he was seven years old. Although he didn't start land speed racing until later, he kept himself busy with kart, dirt bike and drag racing. In 2001, he started racing at Bonneville in his dad's street roadster and in 2018, Chad finally got his red hat in a G/FMR! Since then, he has been racing a 1963 Harley Sprint 250cc motorcycle. Hang on this is going to be as fun as tipping the nitro can! Support the show...
Mar 14, 2023•43 min•Ep. 21
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY MIKE STRASBURG has been going to the Bonneville Salt Flats since 1969. He gained entry into the Bonneville 200 MPH Club in 1991 driving his family’s BGL with a record of 277 MPH. He gained entry in the 300 MPH Chapter in 2017 setting a record of 344 MPH in AA/BFL class. That was not enough for Mike so he updated his record to 361 MPH the following year. Mike is also of member of the El Mirage 200 MPH Club and did all the driving in the family’s Top Alcohol and Top Fu...
Mar 01, 2023•23 min•Ep. 20
Send us a text Here with me is the LEGENDARY LINDSAY STRASBURG. Lindsay's first year at Bonneville was in 1957 when he went out as spectator with his dad and uncles. But when it comes to racing the Strasburgs aren’t spectators. And in1962 they brought out a ‘62 Galaxy running in B/Prod. In 1967 Lindsay began racing and in 1972 he set a record in a ’71 mustang C/Prod 176 MPH. In 1991 Lindsay got in the Bonneville 200 MPH in 1991 at 227 MPH. Lindsay was a part of the USFRAS’s beginnings prepping c...
Feb 28, 2023•24 min•Ep. 19
Send us a text Al’s first trip to Bonneville was in 1967 as a crew member on the Mardon, Ohly and Bentley fuel roadster. From 1968 to 1975 he drove and wrenched on the Sadd, Teague and Bentley fuel roadster. In 1970 he qualified for the 200 MPH Club in both A/FR & C/FR. But 200 MPH wasn’t fast enough for Al, and in 1976 he built a B/FBL and in 1981 he set a record with that lakester at 308 MPH. The lakester was converted into a streamliner and in 1982 and in 1991 he set a BNI/FIA record of 4...
Feb 14, 2023•44 min•Ep. 18
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY ANITA STRASBURG grew up in Oklahoma and Texas. She grew watching drag racing with her dad Don Pulliman. In the early 200/s She started drag racing and ’86 Chevy truck in the super pro class. She moved on altered’s and eventually moved on to top dragsters pushing speeds of 212 MPH. She made her first trip to Bonneville in 2012 and was hooked! She made her first runs in 2019 when she got here unlimited license. In 2021 she gained entry into the 300 MPH Chapter of 200 M...
Feb 01, 2023•24 min•Ep. 17
Send us a text THE LEGENDARY JEFF STRASBURG grew up going to the Bonneville Salt Flats and made his first trip out there at seven years old to watch his big brother Lindsay race the family’s 1971 Mustang that ran in the C/PROD class. Jeff set his first record, 185 MPH, at the age of 20 in 1985 driving a C/STR. But Jeff was just getting warmed up! In 1990 he gained entry into the Bonneville 200 MPH Club setting a record in a A/BFL at 255MPH and went on to set a record at El Mirage to become an El...
Jan 31, 2023•26 min•Ep. 16
