The long history of the Challenger II began with the Challenger I, piloted by Mickey Thompson. In 1960, Thompson became internationally famous when his Challenger I land speed car broke the 400 mph barrier, with a speed of 406.60 mph, besting John Cobb’s one-way record of 402 mph. In 1968, Thompson was back with Challenger II, and an attempt to break the record was sidelined by a rainstorm that ended his chances.

In 1988, Thompson and his son Danny partnered to bring back Challenger II and make another attempt at the record, but their project was sidelined again by the tragic deaths of Mickey Thompson and his wife.

Danny Thompson hasn’t given up, and on the 50th anniversary of his fathers 406 mph run across the salt flats of Bonneville, he pulled Challenger II out of storage and set his sights on beating the record for a wheel driven vehicle. He feels it’s what he needs to do to put his father’s business to rest.

The car hasn’t been touched in more than 40 years, but the younger Thompson and his team have been working hard at restoring and updating the vehicle to bring Challenger II back to the Bonneville Salt Flats and break the world land speed record.

It’s almost upon us, and Thompson has been getting plenty of seat time. After a successful 317 mph pass, they’re ready to take on the world and the record is in his sights. Be sure to tune in this weekend as Danny Thompson and Challenger II put the Thompson name back on the salt, and wipe it up with a new record.