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SANDY — It's not often a documentary gets equal attention with Hollywood's latest offerings at movie theaters. But Friday night, crowds gathered for "The Boys of Bonneville" screenings at Jordan Commons.
A pinewood derby is where many kids discover a fascination with cars, then the real racers catch their attention. The famous Mormon Meteor III belonged to Charlie Jenkins' grandfather.
"Everybody in the family's just proud of it. We think it's a part of Utah history and American history and racing history, and it just needs to be preserved," Charlie Jenkins said.
"The Boys of Bonneville" is a documentary that provides step back in time, telling the story of a heroic Utah race car driver, his blazing hot car, and the Salt Flats.
Ab Jenkins broke records and barriers; his car was one-of-a-kind. Audiences will hear from the race track owner who promised his theaters for screenings, a race car enthusiast and the man who is building a museum for the car.
"I put myself in Ab's shoes, you know," film sponsor John Price said. "These were athletes like Muhammed Ali, like Babe Ruth; they have a talent.
"They are very good at this and they are, so much better than you or I," said Jay Leno, race car enthusiast and host of NBC's ‘The Tonight Show.'
"I think we need heroes like that: heroes that dare to dream, that can go through failure and rebound and recover," said Larry H. Miller.
Producers and filmmakers believe the next generation should know the story of Ab Jenkins and the Mormon Meteor.
"The Boys of Bonneville" has screenings at Jordan Commons, the Gateway and at the District in South Jordan.
Email: cmikita@ksl.com
