Independent · Local · Community-first
utah lawmakers spent $10 million in taxpayer funds for historic race car
Utah Political Watch reports the funding moved through the Legislature with little public discussion and without publicly identifying the Mormon Meteor Ill as the intended purchase.
Utah spent $10 million in state funds toward the acquisition of the Mormon Meteor III, with another $10 million provided by Rio Tinto Kennecott, bringing the total purchase price to $20 million. The historic race car is now displayed at the Museum of Utah at the Capitol Complex.
Utah Political Watch, which first reported the full price, says records show the funding moved through the Legislature with little public scrutiny and that the Mormon Meteor III was not publicly identified as the intended purchase during that process.
The car has deep ties to Utah history. Built for legendary racer and former Salt Lake City Mayor Ab Jenkins, it became famous for speed and endurance runs on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
