Hi everyone, I wanted to share a project that's near and dear to my heart. Before August 2025, I was a "salt virgin." I’d heard the stories and seen the pictures, but I’d never set foot on the white stuff. This year, I got the chance to go not just as a spectator, but as crew. I helped haul three vintage race cars 2,000+ miles from Reading, PA, out to Utah. That trip alone was an education, including a mandatory pilgrimage stop at the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, NE to pay our respects to the legends. When we hit Wendover, my plan was just to do***ent the trip. But once the racing started, I realized the real story wasn't my first trip—it was my friend, EJ Kowalski. Watching EJ and his team wrestle with ancient technology—flatheads and bangers—over seven grueling days was incredible. They battled breakage, weather, and sleepless nights, chasing records with iron that was cast before my dad was born. I decided to turn my footage into a short do***entary, "Vintage Iron on the Salt." Just like racing on the salt, you can't make a film like this alone. I had m***ive help with photo and video coverage from teammate and pro photographer Liz Leggett, who captured the stuff I missed while I was turning wrenches. It’s a look at Speed Week through the eyes of a rookie crew member, focused on a master hot-rodder having the week of a lifetime. We’re premiering it on YouTube on December 19th at 8pm ET. I’d be honored if you guys gave it a watch and let me know what you think. Trailers and more videos of Speed Week... Even more on my YouTube page... http://www.youtube.com/@grovergroover
The trailer was great, I am waiting for the release. Never been to the salt but I have watched everything I come across about it.
Great video. Most speed enthusiasts have no idea how much blood sweat and tears Is poured into the effort to go fast at Bonneville. E.J. Is one of the best landspeed Racers and he deserves to be in the famed 200 Mile club.
Great work. I made it to 2024 speed week for the first time and I've thought about it every week since. I think the music on the videos is too loud thought.
I've always wanted to go and when the opportunity came up I jumped at the chance. I hope you get the same chance to go! Thanks for the kind words. Enjoy the story. It was fun putting this together.
Nice! It was a great experience for me. I've drag raced my whole life and it was fun to experience another motorsport I'm equally as hooked on now.
EJ has been going to the salt for 37 years. I was lucky enough to be able to help this year and experience Speed Week as a salt virgin. The weather, the records, 200mph club, it was all so incredible.
We drove across the country just to break everything we brought. The salt gives, but it also takes. Blown heads, gaskets, busted parts, and sleepless nights. This is the unglamorous side of chasing speed. The full story drops in two days. Friday at 8pm on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you to everyone who tuned in to watch the story of EJ and the team. If you missed the premiere, the full film is now available on YouTube...
The Jalopy Journal
