What a week this has been for this particular writer. No kiddin'! First, as many of you know, I always look forward to the third weekend in May because that's when the Open Road Race season begins in Ely, Nevada.
I have been participating in the two big races promoted by Silver State Classic Challenge, Inc., and Steve Waldman and staff, ever since they got started in the late 1980's. Then in 1995, after the final race in September, I had open heart surgery which stopped me from participating for a couple of years. But in 1998 we (my navigator Jeanine Hefflin) roared down highway 318 and captured third place. You might say this driver was back and "lookin' good." I had color in my face again. I have figured out that I must have competed in and finished at least 20 races between the May and September events, which works out to about 1900 miles of racing.
Last weekend was the ultimate for this driver and my navigator. We entered the 135 mph class with an allowable top speed of 165 mph. There were a total of 132 cars signed to take the starting flag, with seven of those in my class. Of the 15 classes, four were won by Southern Nevadan's. The four local winners are: Norm Johnson and navigator Jeanine Hefflin driving a 1999 Camaro Z28 with an average of 135.0267 mph; 130 mph class won by Fred Wagner driving a 1996 Porsche TT averaging 130.0007; 125 mph class won by Duane Bily and navigator Heather Bily in a 2003 Ford Mustang averaging 125.0021 mph, and the 110 mph class was captured by Bob Peck and navigator Jim Mackie in a 2003 Corvette averaging 109.9980 mph. That's right gang, you read it right. We won our class at last!
Of the 132 cars entered the biggest class was the 110 mph with a total of 26 entries. That's the one Peck had to race in. With that many entrants you better be on top of your game because the difference between first and sixth is usually less than a second. The Unlimited class, where the top speed is whatever you feel you and the car can handle, was won by Jerry Mall of Temecula, Calif., driving a 1997 Dodge Viper. He averaged 180.5456 mph over the 90 mile course between Lund and Hiko. At one speed trap he was clocked at over 208 mph. That's movin' it out I would say!
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The Touring Division with its four classes (95-100-105 and 110 mph) is without question the biggest. It is usually full of new comers or those not wanting to modify the car to meet stricter safety requirements as you climb in speed. The next Division is Grand Touring with three classes (115-120 and 125 mph) and requires more experience and safety equipment. Grand Sport Division (mine) is a big division with five classes (130-135-140-145 and 150 mph). This is a division that requires lots of racing experience by the driver and of course very rigid safety equipment for the car. Super Sport Division has three classes (160-170 and 180) and the Unlimited are really full blown race cars with full roll cages, etc. You can come out and have a grand time no matter the experience, age (must be 18) or car. There is a very strong technical inspection team that doesn't waiver a second on your safety and that's good! The next race July 15-18 is fairly new and takes place in Eureka, Nevada on highway 278. It consists of a challenging 55 mile course that you race up and back on for a total 110 miles. The final race in Nevada takes place again in Ely and is September 16-19. For more information go to www.silverstateclassic.com.
The next event that was a total surprise was the Annual Meatball Awards held last Tuesday evening at The Orleans Hotel & Casino. This award show, produced by Grant Griffin with Marvin Lashever as co-producer, and sponsored by Senior Life is designed to honor those who helped make Las Vegas what it is today from entertainers, politicians, hotel executives, chefs and media. Cork Proctor was the Master of Ceremonies and as usual did a fabulous job. A total of 24 awards were presented to various personalities including entertainers such as Carol Siskind (Comedian), Myram Borders (Historical Preservation), Maynard Sloate (Producer), Tony Sacca (Television), Cook E. Jarr, Lena Prima (Keeping the Tradition Alive), Jerry Tiffe (Male Singer), Corrie Sachs (Female Singer), and four Life Time Achievement Awards were presented to Babe Pier (Comic Impressionist), Norman Kay for the Mary Kay Trio, Joey Villa (Comic) and Freddie Bell. During the show many wonderful people entertained the audience with music and jokes. About midway through the show Review Journal Columnist Norm Clarke was on stage and began talking about some guy I knew. Me! I was the Surprise Secret Winner for the evening as a Journalist. I'm sure of one thing, it took me by total surprise and I had to make a short speech, which I have no memory of. It was a great evening and of course we all look forward to next year.
I think that's about it for this week. I'm outa here!
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