Discover the Hidden Dangers of America’s Abandoned 200 MPH Driveway in the Desert – A Must-Read from The Autopian

You might not expect much from the desert. It’s a quiet place filled with surprises—monuments, rattlesnakes, and even celebrations. But back in the 1960s, it became the site of a remarkable story about resilience and speed.

This tale revolves around Bonnie Orcutt. Born in Indiana in 1909, she faced loss when her husband, Kenneth, died in a plane crash in 1953. After that tragic event, Bonnie moved to Newberry Springs, California. Life was calm until the highway system changed everything.

Bonnie’s access was originally through Route 66, but Interstate 40 was planned to cut across her property. This would block her access, which simply wouldn’t do. Instead of selling her land to the government when offered, Bonnie took matters into her own hands. She started a letter-writing campaign to key figures, including Lady Bird Johnson and the governor of California. Her determination paid off. In 1965, the California Division of Highways allocated $100,000 to build her a four-mile driveway, giving her access to the nearest road, Fort Cady Road.

Imagine having one of the longest driveways in North America stretching out into the California desert. It became a secret gem for car enthusiasts in the late 20th century. The driveway was perfect for high-speed tests when car journalists from outlets like Car and Driver discovered it. During the “double-nickel” era when the speed limit was 55 mph, finding an open stretch of road for top-speed testing was almost impossible. Public rental tracks weren’t big enough, and racing on a busy interstate was crazy risky. So, a daring plan was born: use Bonnie’s driveway for speed runs.

Car tuning expert Gale Banks was determined to test a souped-up Pontiac Trans Am there, aiming for speeds near 200 mph. Early attempts faced mechanical issues and an unwelcoming police presence. But things took a turn when a more amiable highway patrol officer offered to help. After giving him a ride in the Trans Am, they managed to reach 196 mph and even caught a glimpse of the consequences when the car’s engine seized, creating a spectacular fireball. Later, they pushed the limits further to 204 mph, despite a local resident chasing them off with a shotgun.

This adventure in the desert became legendary. In June 1984, Bonnie’s driveway became part of automotive history—a unique blend of personal struggle and speed record attempts. Bonnie’s driveway was not just a long stretch of asphalt; it represented fighting for one’s rights and embracing extreme speed.

Bonnie Orcutt passed away in 1986, and over time, her homestead and driveway fell into disrepair. However, her legend hasn’t faded. Today, her driveway is still marked on Google Maps as Memorial Drive. The once-proud road is now in disrepair, but it stands as a reminder of an extraordinary woman and her unwillingness to back down.

If you’re traveling along Interstate 40 between Barstow and Ludlow, you might take a quick detour to visit this iconic spot. The story of Mrs. Orcutt remains a fascinating chapter in car culture—a reflection of innovation, community, and the spirit of adventure in the face of adversity.

For more on the history of highways and their impact on American life, check out this National Park Service article that delves into the significance of Route 66 and similar roadways.

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