Nevada Open Road Challenge - May 15 - 18, 2014

The Nevada Open Road Challenge (NORC), along with all the other associated events up in Ely, came off nearly flawless. The weather the entire weekend, was just perfect - sunny, with very little wind. There were 119 entrants (41 driving Corvettes) up from the 103 during last year's NORC.

We had 18 volunteer workers along with 10 members 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. Member joining us for the first time on the support team was Ron Petersen.

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 second time both shootouts were scheduled for Friday. In the afternoon was the parade of race cars and other cars through town. What other town, 200 miles from the nearest WalMart, has a car parade consisting of Corvettes, Teslas, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Mustangs, Pick-ups, etc.?

Early Saturday morning we were busy setting-up and marshaling cars at the Car Show which lasts until 2:00 PM. We remain prepared to conduct the shootouts on Saturday, if weathered out on Friday. Later Saturday afternoon we assisted at the Drivers' Meeting, checking-in drivers and navigators, filling out their race sequence sheets and briefing racers on the Race Day marshaling and safety inspections we perform.

Sunday, Race Day, at 5:15 AM we all left the Ely MacDonald's to get setup to receive the 119 race cars, first at the pre-grid at Lanes Truck Stop, then we sent the cars down Highway 318 just South of Lund in race order to be parked and given a safety radio near the start line for the 90-mile run south to Hiko. Just before a car leaves the starting line, six LVCA volunteers perform a "Last Chance" safety inspection of the cars interior, driver and navigator's personal safety gear and car exterior - especially the tires. 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 three 170 MPH cars launched. At the end, there were no accidents, no delays and only three cars broke down - we headed home just after Noon.

There was real competition in the 150 MPH class, with 26 entrants (10 Corvettes). Ken Rees, driving solo came in third with just 0.003 MPH off his target speed of 150 MPH. Ron Mathews drove his Dodge Charger again, this time solo. Gary Moore again drove solo in the 125 MPH class. Stephen and Rebecca Hawthorne took a second in the 140 MPH class. Mike and Marsha Borders had the first and fastest 2014 Corvette Stingray to participate in a SSCC race with a third place in the 145 MPH class. Members Lanny Lowman, Jim LeMar and Jim Weeks also ran in the 150 MPH class. There were two Tesla Model S cars in the race, one in the 95 and the other in the 105 MPH class - both did well. The first time for electrics.

All of the Vegas Vettes volunteer workers are to be commended for once again providing the exceptional support needed during this Nevada Open Road Challenge. Our volunteers donated three or four days, drove over 500 miles to get to Ely and back, and worked long and unusual hours. We were especially pleased that Frank & Marianne Blaha, Evye Brenner, Berry Lowman, Mike Russell, Teddy Sedgwick and Tim Short joined in as team members - we could not have done it with out your help!