Nevada Open Road Challenge 2023

For the past three decades, driving enthusiasts from around the world have gathered on the third Sunday of May in the Nevada high desert for the one of the truly most unique automotive events. Traverse 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.

This event in May is a two-way event, totaling 119.78 miles (59.89 each way), with a weekend packed full of gearhead activities, and an awards banquet after-party held in our charming, rustic mining town of Ely, Nevada. Registration packet pickup will be held in Ely, Nevada.

The Silver State Classic Challenge, Inc. is a non-profit corporation with a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and staff who annually host the Nevada Open Road Challenge (NORC) and Silver State Classic Challenge (SSCC) Open Road Racing events on a closed section of Nevada State Highway 318, renamed by the Nevada Department of Transportation as the Silver State Classic Challenge Highway.

SSCC events are based on time, speed, and distance. Classes begin at 95 mph, and increase in 5 mph increments up through the 160 mph class, with a 170 mph, 180 mph, and an Unlimited, top speed class. Vehicles start one at a time, in one minute intervals against a GPS timing clock, and attempt to break the beam at the finish line as close as possible to their speed class target time. First, Second and Third place trophies are awarded to the Driver and Navigator/Co-driver in each class, based on most accurate elapsed time targets achieved, as measured by SSCC timing equipment. Trophies are also awarded to drivers of our companion One-Mile and Half-Mile Shootout events, both held on race weekends in conjunction with our Open Road Racing events.

All first-time SSCC participants are considered rookies, and may enter classes ranging from 95 mph up to 110 mph, determined by their vehicle capabilities and safety equipment, and each Driver and Navigator/Co-Driver’s comfort level. All rookies must also attend an SSCC rookie driver school. Those with documented Open Road Racing or other equivalent racing experience, or those who hold racing licenses from select sanctioned racing bodies, may be eligible to obtain a waiver from rookie school.