Send 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 roadsters which led to the creation of the iconic Noicemaker roadster. The Noicemaker tragically crashed in 1989. Luckily the driver was not hurt badly but their bond and love for racing endured as they rebuilt another roadster and faced the challenges of the Double A Blown Gas Roadster class. His decision to eventually step away from racing highlights the emotional and physical toll that managing such a demanding sport can take.

Finally, immerse yourself in the world of hot rodding and high-speed racing with stories that capture the unpredictable nature of the sport. From handling a Blown Fuel Lakester that is leaking nitro to crashing in an Opal over 200MPH, this episode delves into the thrill, danger, and determination that define racing excellence. 

Support the show

Send 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 in hotrod and car design. Designing cars for notable figures like Billy Gibbons, Larry goes through the creative processes behind some of his design vehicles such as Gibbon's Cadzilla and Coddington's Aluma Coupe. Listen as he recounts his personal experiences building a roadster for the Grand National Roadster Show and the unique partnerships that have fueled his passion for automotive design.

Listen to Larry's takes on some of his favorite land speed cars and motorcycles. His views on these cars are fascinating from a design point of view. His love for land speed and its cars did not stop with his admiration for them. He eventually designed his own and very beautiful roadster which is featured on this year's Speedweek Poster. 

Support the show

Send 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 interview that proves racing is more fun with friends!

Support the show

Send 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!

Support the show

Send 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 to race that motorcycle and he made land speed history with his historic 300 MPH ride. Three words to describe THE LEGENDARY DAVE DAVIDSON: humble, genuine and a badass!

Support the show

Send 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 Bonneville 200 MPH Club . Frank describes that year as "Fairy tale year" as he set  a record and spread his dad's ashes over the salt. Frank is one of the most enegetic, genuine and humble guys out on the salt and it makes for a great interview!

Support the show

Send 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 continued to have a very successful land speed racing career just racking building teams and racking up records on both the lake and asphalt side of land speed racing. He eventually teamed up with THE LEGENDARY JOHN LEVIE to form Guthrie-Levie Racing, a team that holds over 200 records! Also, he just won this year's  (2023) Bonneville 200 MPH Club "Person of the Year Award"! 

Support the show

Send 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 the Bonneville 200 MPH Club. I was office manager of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club for over ten years and I discuss how that role influenced my decision to start this podcast. Also I talk about raising a family out there and some of our families future plans! I would like to thank Megan for helping me out and doing an amazing job!

Support the show

Send 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 driving over 300 MPH until he was 79 years old! Now at 83 years old  he is the engine tuner for his lakester that his son-in law now drives. 

Support the show

Send 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 including his son, Eric. Russ also Chairman of the SCTA Roadster Committee, Secretary of Save the Salt and longtime member of the San Diego Roadster Club.

Support the show