Sir Malcolm Campbell Breaks 300 MPH Barrier on Bonneville Salt Flats
On September 3, 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first person to drive an automobile over 300 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. An initial timing error nearly prevented the record, but a review by AAA…
Salt Lake City, UT, September 3, 2026 — On September 3, 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell achieved a historic milestone in automotive speed history by becoming the first individual to drive an automobile at a speed exceeding 300 miles per hour. The record-breaking run took place on the Bonneville Salt Flats, a location renowned for its vast, flat terrain suitable for high-speed attempts.
Campbell’s successful drive reached a verified speed of 301.1292 miles per hour. This achievement marked the culmination of his long-held ambition, referred to in reports as his “dream run.”
The path to confirming this groundbreaking speed was not without its challenges. An initial timing error occurred during the record attempt, which nearly disqualified the achievement and prevented it from being officially recognized. However, officials from the American Automobile Association (AAA), serving as timekeepers, conducted a thorough review of the recorded data. This diligent process led to the correction of the timing error.
Following the review by AAA timekeepers, the official speed was confirmed, solidifying Sir Malcolm Campbell’s place in the record books. The event at the Bonneville Salt Flats stands as a significant moment in the pursuit of automotive velocity and a testament to the engineering and determination of the era.
Story summarized from the original created by Chris Miller on www.deseret.com, see more information here.
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