We decided to increase our...
We decided to increase our odds by getting out of the very crowded 110 mph class and going into the less dense 105 class. Our max speed was still 124, so it would be just as fun.
In addition to the main event held on Sunday, there are also speed events sprinkled over the preceding days. On Friday there's a half-mile shootout where competitors try to see how fast they can get going in 2,640 feet from a standing stop. There's also a zero-to-100-to-zero contest that combines acceleration with braking. Saturday's event includes a 1-mile shootout and, if there's anyone in attendance with a capable car, and the stones to try it, a zero-to-200-to-zero competition. To make all of this even more challenging, the venue is at an altitude of well over 6,000 feet. Along with the driving events there are also parades, car shows, dinners, and other festivities. It's a big deal for the small town of Ely that serves as the event's official base camp, and "party central" for all the participants.
Safety
If there's one thing organizers of the event practice, it's safety. Cars must pass a very rigorous technical inspection. Tires are inspected before every event to make sure they aren't damaged or carrying a nail. Speed rules are strictly enforced. In fact, if you get a speeding ticket on any of the event highways, even up to 90 days before the event, then you're out. They want people to have fun, and not end up hurt, or injure others.
After talking with many open road veterans, we came away with the idea that this is serious business. Many say it's the most dangerous form of auto racing. This makes perfect sense when you think about it. First off, you're on a public highway, not a pristine racetrack. There are dips, bumps, rough patches, and all the stuff you would expect to find on a highway. There are also creatures, both big and small. Hitting a turkey buzzard at buck ten can ruin your whole day. Hitting a deer would be noticeably worse, while hitting some wandering cattle would be, well, just use your imagination on that.
On Friday we had our first...
On Friday we had our first event: the half-mile shootout. There was an abundance of late-model 'Vettes in attendance, and we were the only Camaro. In fact, we had just about the oldest ride there. After topping off the gas tank there was a safety meeting, then we headed over to highway 490, just outside of Ely.
if you stop, you're done. In other words, if you have to pull over for any reason, then you must stay off the highway. For obvious reasons they can't have cars merging onto a highway with other cars going over 100 mph. Also, if you have major problems and have to drop below 80 mph then you need to pull over so that the cars behind you don't have to pass. It just adds unnecessary danger to an already risky event. Passing however, is allowed if done safely.
While there are ambulances stationed at points along the route, you need to keep in mind that you're still in the middle of nowhere, and unlike a dedicated racetrack, help isn't always just a couple of minutes away. For these reasons the organizers rely on the safety procedure developed during the two decades this event has been going on. For example, rookies have to complete a "qualifying school." This keeps people who don't know an apex from an apple out of the event and ensures their car is capable of maneuvering around a controlled track. Also, rookies can't run faster than 115 mph as a target and can't have a tech speed greater than 124 mph.
The Invitation
We were just minding our own business at Camaro Performers Central when a call came in from James Shipka, owner of a sweet Pro Touring-style '67 F-body called the "One Lap Camaro," asking if I wanted to navigate while he drove in the event. Asked to represent Optima Batteries, James jumped at the chance to run his Camaro and I was excited to join in. Optima, along with K&N, and MSD/Racepak, are key sponsors of these races, and while Optima normally runs their own car, for this event they needed a stand in.
Yet another tire inspection....
Yet another tire inspection. In total, our tires were inspected five times over the three-day event. At speed, a nail or cut could be a bad deal, so tire safety is the golden rule in open road racing.
Friday is when the parade...
Friday is when the parade goes through town. Ely is small, so this is a big deal. The Hotel Nevada was the tallest building in the state when it was built in 1929. Keep that in mind for the next time you’re playing Trivial Pursuit.
Saturday's fun included the...
Saturday's fun included the high-noon shootout sponsored by Optima Batteries. Normally rookies aren't allowed to run in the 1-mile speed contest, but since we were representing Optima, we were given a pass. After turning in a very respectable speed in the half mile, our hopes were high. Unfortunately something in the computer kept shutting down the engine at 148-mph (GPS rated) well before the finish line. Good thing we weren't in the 150-mph class for the main race! In any event, this is the fastest the car had ever gone and it felt very stable and smooth.