The World's Fastest ...
kilometres wide, in plac-
es the salt is one and a
half metres thick. It’s
like concrete. Perfect for
racing high speed ma-
chines. The Americans,
regulars at Bonneville,
say Lake Gairdner is one
of the best venues of its type anywhere in the world and
believe world records will tumble.
It’s time for a beer. The temperature has been hovering
around the mid-30’s all day. On the salt there’s no respite,
the sun beats down, sun beats up. We head for the ram-
shackle hut acting as the bar and dining area, its rough yet
fits perfectly with the feel of event. I love it.
Conversations a plenty. Small groups, all discussing
similar topics; speed, wind, carburation, aerodynam-
ics. This place is special, an outback version of Hogwarts
Great Hall, hushed tones of wizardry and magic, yet none
so secretive that you’re excluded from the conversation.
Out here everyone is equal, everyone is welcomed, every-
one is family.
Like every family, that of the Dry Lake Racers has its
disagreements, yet is done so with good humour.
“For fuck sake!”, the grizzly looking man across the ta-
ble from us blurts out.
“If it uses a safety car, it’s not fuckin’ racing.” Our con-
versation somehow had swung to Formula One, perhaps
discussing Honda’s attempt at a Land Speed Record at
Bonneville a few years ago.
“If it’s not going fast, it’s NOT fuckin’ racing,” he says
matter of factly. We stare in amazement. I’m trying not to
laugh at his ludicrous outburst.
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