Mankato couple race at Bonneville Salt Flats

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Just when he thought his dreams came true, Mankato resident Bob Degezelle went beyond his expectations, accomplishing what he thought would be impossible.

Bob and Laurie Degezelle returned from the salt flats in Utah just a few days ago, reflecting on their experience racing the belly tanker, the Bonneville Blizzard.

“When they cinch the seatbelts down for the last time, you feel as though you’re one with the car. This is -you’re one,” Bob said.

“Once the car started going down the track, the only description I can give it was like flying on the wings of angels,” Laurie said.

Bob caught a glimpse of what it’s like to race on the salt flats, saying it was like a disease he caught after. So, he spent four years building the Blizzard. Then, it was time to complete what he once thought was impossible: Race the belly tanker.

“I always dreamed that I would build a car for Bonneville, have it do 100 miles an hour, and then I would do my happy dance,” Bob said.

Bob had no idea how his belly tanker would run. He had never drove it or seen how it would race. Despite the uncertainties, Bob built the belly tanker to the T and with his luck, the Blizzard passed every inspection.

“There was so much we didn’t know about it so when we went out there we were so pleased to find out, it does run. It does work. Which, um, is a big accomplishment in my mind,” Bob said.

His goal of reaching 100 mph -with a 1932 Ford model A engine that originally ran up to 1000 rpms- was successful as he revamped the engine to reach 6000 rpms.

Bob was the first to ride in the Blizzard, but once Laurie got in the seat... she surpassed his speed.

“Bob did 101 and I did 115,” Laurie said.

Although she had won the friendly competition, it was Bob who supported her the most.

“I felt very confident thanks to his -thanks to him being there,” Laurie said.

The Degezelles went into the race with no pit crew. But when they arrived a father son duo from Wisconsin, and two New Zealanders stepped in to support the couple.

Not only was it special to build relationships, but at the end of the day, the whole experience was one they both won’t forget.

“I had a lot of happy tears,” Bob said.

The Degezelle’s plan to race again next year and beat their record speeds.

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