My dad took me and the family out to see Mickey Thompson run in '60, when he ran 406 mph. I was 13 and vividly remember the total experience. There were not very many "civilians" spectating on the Salt. We were East of the course and it seemed much closer than spectators are allowed today. As the time got close to Mickey's run, dad told us to try to get near our car as possible, just in case something went wrong. Then I recall hearing "...here he comes". I saw the salt spray before I saw the car. The roar was nothing I had ever heard before and as he was right in front of our car the blue blur seemed to momentarily stand still. After the run we waited in the pits for what seemed a long time. We saw many other teams, motorcycles and cars. Some guys were either putting a second engine in or taking it out of "The Mickey Mouse Challenger", a Crosley sedan, I think.
I have very fond memories of Mickey returning to the pits and the crew taking the body panels from the Challenger. He was busy but came over and introduced himself to me and my dad. He spent what seems like a long tome explaining, and answering every question an annoying kid could ask. He made a fan for life. (Funny, 20 years later, Al Teague.. did the very same thing with my son, and another generation of admirers was born.) My old man had been at the Flats when Eyston and Cobb had run in the '30s, and was the first to the scene when Easton wrapped his tire around the axle. He was on his Harley, and beat the emergency crew to the car.
Anyway, the trip to the Salt Flats took 3 hours from Salt Lake City on U.S.40. We drove right off the highway and paid no fee to watch. The Salt was so hot and so very white. Last year I watched and cheered on Danny Thompson with my grandson. I re-met and introduced myself to Danny's dear mother and told her I was there when she drove the Pontiac station wagon into the pits.
I have considerable memories invested in the SALT FLATS and we must keep this great part of our collective national heritage available to pass on to my grandson's kids.