Gary Matranga Sets Bonneville Speed Records
The 86-year-old Sacramento driver hit 310 mph in a modified 1966 Barracuda.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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In summer 2026, 86-year-old Sacramento driver Gary Matranga established two new land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He achieved 308 mph in the gas division and 310 mph in the fuel division.
Why it matters
Matrangas performance in the fuel division broke a speed record that had stood for eight years. His achievement highlights the extreme engineering required to sustain record-breaking velocities on salt surfaces.
The vehicle used is a modified 1966 Barracuda equipped with an engine generating over 2,400 horsepower and more than 500 cubic inches of displacement. The car stabilizes at 2.5 miles into the 5-mile track.
The players
Gary Matranga
An 86-year-old driver from Sacramento who specializes in land speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The details
Matranga manages the intense vehicle drift with constant steering adjustments while the team fine-tunes engine output to match the grip levels of the salt. This technical balancing act allows the modified muscle car to exceed 300 mph reliably.
Timeline
Gary Matranga set the speed records during summer 2026.
The team will conduct engine testing during winter 2026-27.
Roadmap
This achievement demonstrates the enduring potential of classic American muscle car platforms when pushed to the limits of high-performance engineering. Matrangas success sets a new standard for independent teams competing against long-standing speed records in specialized fuel divisions.
For automotive enthusiasts, these results highlight the extreme mechanical stress and maintenance requirements associated with high-horsepower engine builds. Fans can monitor the team's progression toward their future 400 mph target as they move into next year's testing phase.
The takeaway
Maintaining extreme speeds requires a precise balance between engine power and track surface conditions. Achieving such milestones at age 86 demonstrates that high-performance mechanical mastery remains a discipline of focus and technical precision.
What happens next
The team plans to test the engine during the winter of 2026-27 to prepare for future attempts, including a goal of 340 mph with the current Barracuda and 400 mph using a streamliner.
Further reading
Explore more engineering feats on the Performance Vehicles page.
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