Silver State Classic Challenge Road Race

For the past three decades, driving enthusiasts from around the world have gathered on the third Sunday of May and September in the Nevada high desert for the running of some truly unique automotive events. Their amazing journey traverses 90 to 120 miles of closed, two-lane public highway, comprised of long fast straights, sweeping corners, blind dips, even carving through a twisty canyon. The current course record stands at 219.6430 mph average speed, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. The best part is, if you’ve got the nerve, a little cash, and a fast ride, you too can join them to run as fast as you can, legally, down a public highway. Welcome to the Silver State Classic Challenge!

In 1990, the basic formula for today’s series was established. Rather than the loosely configured categories of the first two years, brackets were created based on average speed targets. Through the efforts of an informal Advisory Council, made up of participants and other interested parties, the Silver State Challenge tightened safety regulations, and instituted practice and qualifying sessions, as well as tech inspections, at Las Vegas Speedway Park.

In an effort to continually improve our events, we began providing all participants with GMRS radios to immediately communicate with our Course Workers and Ham Operators during emergencies. By 2011, we had developed a very sophisticated portable repeater system to enhance our current race course communications systems.

A few days later, the Nevada Department of Transportation Board of Directors voted unanimously to officially rename Highway 318 as “The Silver State Classic Challenge Highway”. Special NDOT signage was posted along the highway, letting travelers know they are traversing the hallowed Open Road Racing course through the Nevada Great Basin.

See website for extensive details about racing and volunteering for this semi-annual event.