Drivers, crew chief, builders

Gene, Betty and son Tom Burkland began their Bonneville Salt Flats efforts in 1971, campaigning competition coupes for 20 years before building an orange-and-cream streamliner. The trio set records with every car (each wearing #411) and earned Bonneville 200 MPH Club life membership. Gene’s 255 mph record in the 1953 Studebaker; Tom’s 295 mph record in their 1975 Datsun; Betty’s 263 mph record in a Fiat competition coupe. In 2004, the streamliner set a 417 mph national record followed by an FIA World Record in 2008 at 416 mph. They won the 2006 Hot Rod Magazine Top Speed of the Meet trophy, clocking 398 mph. All three have been inducted into the Dry Lakes Racing Hall of Fame. All of this was accomplished without major sponsors, instead relying on head, heart and hands. Throughout the half-century of speed seeking, they operated as a team of equals. Betty and Tom continue to volunteer time, talent & common sense with the racing community and freely share knowledge gained over the years — they have no speed secrets!