Silver State Classic Challenge September 2023

Once again we attended the twice yearly awesome Silver State Classic Challenge, but this time as a volunteer and not a racer. While April loves to race her Corvette and all the exhilaration that comes with the competition, the volunteer aspect is very educational and she enjoyed herself immensely.

As always, April enjoyed seeing all her friends from Vegas Vettes as well as her friends from Old Farts Racing and the gang that attends the Classic year after year after year.

The following will help our viewers understand the basics of the Silver State Classic.

The Silver State Classic Challenge is a famous and long-running open road race held in the state of Nevada, United States. This event allows participants to test the speed and capabilities of their vehicles on a closed section of public highway. Here are some key points about the Silver State Classic Challenge:

1. Location: The race takes place on Nevada State Route 318, which is a remote and straight highway located in eastern Nevada, running between the towns of Lund and Hiko.
2. Race Format: The Silver State Classic Challenge is an open road race, meaning that it’s not conducted on a traditional racetrack but rather on a designated stretch of public road. Participants compete to complete the course in a specific amount of time. The event features various classes of vehicles, from everyday cars to high-performance sports cars, with specific target speeds for each class.
3. Variety of Classes: The event offers multiple classes based on vehicle type and performance capabilities. Each class has its own average speed target, ranging from relatively low speeds to extremely high speeds for supercars.
4. Challenges and Strategy: Competing in the Silver State Classic Challenge requires a unique set of skills and strategies. Drivers must maintain an average speed as close as possible to the designated target speed for their class, which can be challenging, especially considering the length of the racecourse.
5. Safety Precautions: Safety is a top priority in this event. The road is closed to public traffic during the race, and organizers take measures to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. Medical personnel, support vehicles, and a well-coordinated communication system are typically in place.
6. History: The Silver State Classic Challenge has a long history, with the first event taking place in 1988. It has since become a well-known and respected race on the open-road racing circuit.
7. Events: The Silver State Classic Challenge is typically held twice a year, in the spring and fall, offering a variety of race distances, including the Classic (90 miles) and NORC (120 miles).
8. Participation: To participate, drivers and teams must register and pay a fee. Each vehicle undergoes a technical inspection to ensure it meets safety and performance standards.
9. Records: The event has seen many records set for different classes and distances, with some vehicles reaching very high speeds on the open road.

The Silver State Classic Challenge is known for attracting a diverse group of participants, from amateur enthusiasts to professional race drivers, all seeking the thrill of open road racing in a controlled and safe environment. However, as with any form of motorsport, safety and adherence to the rules and regulations are of utmost importance.

Below are a few photos of the event.

We are looking forward to AAPEX 2023 in November where we will be seeking out a host of after market equipment used in road races across the country and internationally.

By, April Fischer, Technology Specialist & Scott Kraft, Technology Producer – TechTalk,

April Fisher is a field reporter with expertise in the automotive industry. April also coverers technology used in construction when she is not out and about racing her 1997 RED Corvette and covering the automotive industry.

Scott Kraft is the Technology Producer for Utah Channel 3. He is a degreed Electrical Engineer that applies engineering testing/procedures to products that are of technical interest to those participating in sporting activities in Southern Utah.