In spite of the rain, the 26th annual Silver State Classic Challenge (SSCC), along with all the other associated events up in Ely, came off nearly flawless. There were 127 entrants (37 driving Corvettes), up from the 103 during the Nevada Open Road Challenge (NORC) in May.

We had 26 volunteer workers along with eleven member's cars racing. Lodging was at the Four Sevens Motel, which has been our location in the past and it is very convenient for all the activities in Ely. Members joining us for the first time on the support team were Mike and Amy Groves.

Brand new LVCA members Stephen and Rebecca Hawthorne took a First Place in a very tough 135 mph class with their ZR1. Driving for the first time was Ron Mathews, with his son Matt as navigator. Navigating a second time for Scott Mergele was Lennard Grodzinsky. Their diligent efforts rewarded them with a Third Place finish in the premier 150 mph class. Ken Rees had his son Michael (Raptor Pilot, 2nd Lt, USAF) drive while he navigated to a Thrid Place finish in the 135 mph class. Pati Ackeret and Cathy Wilson switched seats from the NORC race and Pati garnered a Second Place in the 115 mph class to add to the First Place from last year's SSCC. Russ Riner again had Jerry Cline as his navigator. As in the NORC, Gary Moore drove his ZR1 solo and was the sole LVCA participant in the One-Mile Shootout, achieving 174.1 MPH and a Third Place finish. Once again, Rich Masluk had help from a Findlay Chevrolet employee - son Matt navigated. With Jim LeMar navigating, a second First Place in a row was achieved with Angel Yumart driving in the 150 mph class. Jim Weeks offered up the driver's seat in his Z06 and navigated for veteran unlimited driver, Charlie Friend, who crashed his Corvair at May's NORC.

For Friday's Half- Mile and One-Mile Shootouts we marshaled the cars, performed the cockpit and tire safety checks and headed them back to start for another run. Based on our suggestion, this was the first time both shootouts were scheduled for Friday. This change made Saturday's Car Show a much better event. Friday afternoon was the parade of race cars and other cars through town. Saturday morning we were busy setting-up the Car Show and in the afternoon we assisted at the Drivers' Meeting. At the Drivers' Meeting we presented a thank-you plaque to Tim Short for his years of exceptional service as a member of our Safety Crew.

Sunday, race day, at 5:15 AM we all left the MacDonald's to get setup to receive the 127 race cars, first at the pre-grid at Lanes Truck Stop, then we sent the cars down Highway 318 just past Lund in race order to be parked near the start line for the 90-mile run south to Hiko. The weather was just perfect, sunny, with a little wind. Everything went very well - the first 150 MPH car left just a little before 8:00 AM and then a car every minute thereafter. After the last 95 MPH car left, we had a break before the Unlimited and 180, 170 & 160 MPH cars launched. At the end, there were no accidents and only a few cars broke down.

All of the Vegas Vettes volunteer workers are to be commended for once again providing the exceptional support needed during this Silver State Classic Challenge. We were especially pleased that Matt Mathews, Brenda Michael, Matt Masluk, James Newsom, Daniel Ramirez, Mike Russell, Teddy Sedgwick and Tim Short joined in as team members - we could not have done it with out your help!

Pat Russell