Rup, Bonneville Speed Week is definately on my "Must do one day" list.
As you say, maybe the best years are behind us now (certainly the salt is not as good as it was). But there's still a die hard hot rod fraternity that attend Speed Week in August, World of Speed in September and the 'World' Finals in October.
I reckon, purely from a weather point of view, Speed Week is the best bet. Certainly, looking at the photos on your link, the salt looks to be in good shape this year.
The British steam land speed record car is currently in the US at Edwards Air Force base carrying out shake down runs prior to an attempt at the steam record
http://www.steamcar.co.uk/ They're currently managing 130 mph.
... and then there's Andy Green / Richard Noble's latest LSR project
http://www.bloodhoundssc.com/ - their aim is 1000 mph.