By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 Speed Week 2020 will be held from August 8–14, on the Bonneville Salt Flats. |
At perhaps the most socially-distanced racing venue in the world, the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) is preparing the historic salt flats of Bonneville for the annual land-speed event of Speed Week (August 8–14). Since 1949, the volunteer organization has been the organizer and promoter for this diverse and innovative motorsports event.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, SCTA President Bill Lattin and BNI Chairman Pat McDowell have been especially busy working with all levels of local, state and Federal government to ensure the health and safety of everyone present at the event.
“We are committed to protect the health and safety of our participants, spectators and volunteers,” said Lattin. “The SCTA has received all the necessary approvals and permits from local health and government associations to greenlight the 2020 Bonneville Speed Week as planned. The Utah office of the Bureau of Land Management does require several alterations to the standard procedures in order to hold the event.”
All staff workers will practice recommended guidelines and wear face coverings during the event. Additionally, easily accessible sanitation/hand-washing stations will be placed throughout the venue.
Aside from the extra precautions necessary for public health, organizers must always deal with the uncertainties of a natural racecourse surface. Officials on-site have reported that salt conditions are excellent so far, and that two long courses are groomed and ready to go.
There are more than 250 teams entered at this time, from streamliners with speed potential more than 500 mph, to vintage 50cc motorcycles that top out at 50 mph. The SCTA will continue to accept entries for this event all the way up until July 28, and will also take entries on the salt after that day. Speed Week 2020 will be held from August 8–14, on the Bonneville Salt Flats—two hours from Salt Lake City and just 15 minutes from Wendover, Utah, via Interstate 80.
The facility is easily accessed from the Bonneville Speedway exit. Spectator entry is available on site with $20 day passes. Weeklong passes cost just $50. Spectators, racers, and crews are supported by a variety of local and out-of-state vendors offering food, drinks, racing safety equipment, sunglasses and more. The SCTA-BNI sells their exclusively branded merchandise and souvenirs at the event and on their SCTA-BNI website. Specific details for the event, including up-to-date event status, maps, schedules and general information, can be found at www.scta-bni.org or email office@scta-bni.org.