I've been reading for many years about how the condition of the salt varies from
year to year. I have even read that years ago, there were patches of dirt showing
on the racing surface at Bonneville. I don't know whether the recent trend is toward
more salt being available, or less. I am concerned about the present and future
condition of the Salt Flats.
Here are some specific questions.
Realistically/functionally, how much difference does it make whether there are (small)
patches of exposed dirt instead of salt on the track? For example, at the 4-mile location?
Is hitting a patch of dirt likely to cause a spin? Is dirt significantly slicker or softer than
salt, as far as a fast-moving vehicle is concerned?
I imagine that in the future, some racers might be wanting to have a more consistent
surface on which to do land speed racing. So I'm trying to imagine a scenario that might
be possible. Please comment, if you wish, on the following idea:
Bonneville . . . same location, but with salt having been collected and moved from areas
not raced on, to the racing lanes. I imagine that by scraping it up and hauling it to the
racing lanes, that the lanes could be improved -- and possibly lengthened. Where would be
any major problem with doing that? Yes, the rains each year would tend to undo this effort,
but the racing could benefit. It would require cubic bucks, of course. That's a reality of
racing.
