The need for speed — Bonneville Salt Flats is home to many world speed records

Ab Jenkins, the man who put the Salt Flats on the map by persuading the British speed kings to come to Utah, kept setting long-distance records as the Brits turned their attention to speed records.

In 1939, Ab found himself in a different race altogether when he was persuaded to run for mayor of Salt Lake City and won in a very close election. Shortly after taking office, Ab took one last fling at the 24-hour record, boosting it up to 161 mph on the 10-mile circular track. The record stood for 16 years.

After four years in the mayor's office he became a test driver and consultant for American car manufacturers. He died in 1956 at the age of 73.

Jenkins' famous blue-and-gold race car, the Mormon Meteor, was on display for several years in the Utah State Capitol.

A few years ago Jenkins' son, Marvin, reclaimed the Mormon Meteor and restored it to its former glory. He now takes it around the country, showing it off to racing fans and reminding them of the days when speed was king.

Selected world records

1934: Ab Jenkins, 127 mph — 24-hour endurance

1935: Sir Malcolm Campbell, 301.13 mph — measured mile

1937: Capt. George E.T. Eyston, 311.42 mph — measured mile

1947: John Cobb, 394.19 mph — measured mile

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Parry Sorensen is a professor emeritus of communications at the University of Utah. E-mail: PDSORENSEN@aol.com