For Immediate Release

 

                                                          Contact: Phil Henry 702-456-9660

                                                                        phenry@phenry.com

                                                                     informs@silverstateclassic.com

 

 

 

Ex-Winston Cup Racecar to Battle Other 200-plus MPH racers in 90-mile Nevada Open Road Challenge.

 

 

Longtime open road racer Dave Golder will aim for the 207 mph record average speed for the desert highway event, which will see super Corvettes, SVT Mustangs, Camaros, Vipers, and even Ferraris compete on closed highway course May 20.

 

 

 

Run every May, the Nevada Open Road Challenge is scheduled to take place May 20 with 230-plus entries. Dave Golder, winner of the most recent Silver State Classic Challenge, the annual September version of the event, is hoping the weather helps his attempt at the 207-mph record average speed for the 90-mile course. “It’s going to be a tough record to beat,” said Golder. “We’ve played with the aerodynamics of the car this time.” Golder’s Ex-Winston Cup Pontiac averaged 193 mph last September while pushing against a 30 mph headwind most of the way down the State Highway 318 course, said Golder, of Montgomery, Texas.

 

California racer Rick Doria, a favorite at the Highway 318 events, is letting his co-driver Will White drive his backup Corvette in the May 20 event in a slower average-speed class. “This is a reconnaissance run for us,” said Doria. “There are some aero changes we’re trying, and this car’s got a new hood.”

 

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page two                                            90-Mile Open Highway Event

                                                Contact: Phil Henry  702-456-9660

 

 

 

Doria holds the record for the fastest trap speed at the event, set at 227 mph in May, 2000. Oregon racer Chuck Shafer set the 207-mph record average speed for the 90-mile course at the May, 2000 event in a Chrysler LeBaron-bodied former NASCAR Busch series racecar.

 

Todd Carpenter will again challenge the course in his highly modified Camaro. “It's running strong. We will average over 200 mph. Some days we can go 227 mph and some days we can go 217 mph. You need to run in the 220s to average 200 mph. This event is my favorite because it is the safest. They keep people way off the road, behind the fences.”

 

The event has run since 1988, and has had drivers from 38 states, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, England, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. Amateur drivers are encouraged to enter the event, and a qualifying school and practice session are mandatory. Cars are thoroughly inspected, and must meet strict safety equipment standards for each speed class. In the Touring Division stock vehicles are eligible to run. In the higher speed brackets more safety equipment is required including rollbars or full race cages, harnesses and fire suppression systems for the fastest cars. Spectators are not allowed on the course, which is closed by the Nevada DOT. These events are fully permitted, sanctioned, and insured. More information for potential participants and fans can be found at www.silverstateclassic.com or 702-631-6166.

 

 

Photos Available at:   http://www.silverstateclassic.com/NewsReleaseMAY01photos.htm

                                                                  

 

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