zoom!

just south of 2100 South and 3200 West lies a piece of land that once echoed with the roar of airplanes—and later, the thunder of racecars

This land has witnessed some of the most remarkable transformations in our history.

Utah Central Airport (1936–1968)

In 1936, aviation pioneer Verenus “Vern” Carter purchased land at 2100 South and 3400 West (just west of 2700 W) and established the Utah Central Airport. For more than three decades, the airport served as a training ground, passenger hub, and community landmark, operating until 1968.

Bonneville Drag Strip (1965–1968)

By the mid-1960s, a new use emerged for part of the old airport land. In February 1965, Salt Lake businessmen announced the creation of the Bonneville Drag Strip on a section of the property. The strip opened in May 1965, with races held primarily on Sundays so as not to conflict with airport operations.

The drag strip quickly gained popularity. In May 1967, more than 4,200 people attended an event. That same year, Dick Godfrey, Bob Gee, Jim Campbell, and the Howard Haynes family purchased 60 acres of the site. By June 1966, they had added a motorcycle track, investing heavily to expand motorsports in Utah.

shared space (1965–1968)

the airport closes- the racetrack moves west

Bonneville Raceway (1968–1986)

The group invested $250,000 to construct a full motorsports complex. This included:

a half-mile stock car oval,
a 1.8-mile motorcycle and sports car road course,
and a paved drag strip nearly 3,000 feet long.

The first official drag race at the new facility was held July 23–24, 1968, drawing large crowds. By August 1968, more than 5,000 spectators packed the stands. The facility became known as Bonneville Raceway, carrying forward the name from the earlier drag strip.

From 1973 to 1986, Bob Ipson leased the track from the Haynes family, pouring more than $600,000 in improvements into the grounds.

Rocky Mountain Raceway (1986–2018)

In 1986, Dick Godfrey took over the lease, and gave the raceway a new name….Rocky Mountain Raceway. In 1995, businessman Spencer Young purchased the facility, renaming it Rocky Mountain Raceway. The track became a premier venue for drag racing, oval racing, motocross, and special events, hosting generations of Utah racing fans.

In 2014, the property was sold to Freeport West, though the track secured a five-year lease extension that allowed racing to continue through the 2018 season. After more than 50 years of motorsports, the roar of engines went silent. The track was demolished—razed for commercial development—closing another extraordinary chapter in the land’s history.

From Airplanes to Racecars: The Story of Utah Central Airport