Race Shop Team Prepares for TSCO Vegas to Reno

Talk to anyone at the Race Shop about BITD's annual TSCO Vegas to Reno race and you'll see a smile, a sigh and "ahhh, Vegas to Reno: the long way."   We have such fond memories of Vegas to Reno and the people over at Best in the Desert, they are really some great people.  

So we're getting very excited around here as we prepare to close the shop and head out to Las Vegas on August 14 for the 14th Annual TSCO Vegas to Reno race.  Embro and Hutchinson will race, the rest of us on support.  There are a few changes to the race this year, the GPS coordinates will be posted August 12 over on the Best in the Desert site.   There'll be 16 Pits, locations are on the site now but subject to change.

This year's course is to be 535 miles long through the usual Vegas to Reno tough terrain of desert floor, huge mountains, tight, winding sand washes and dry lake beds where you can cut loose and fly.  The race will go from one end of Nevada to the other, ending in "the biggest little city in the world," Reno, from 3,000' elevation to 8,000', with the average at 5,000'.

New this year, for the first time in the history of this race, there'll be a high speed finish.  Instead of finishing a mile or so away and slowly approaching the finish, we'll run right up to the arch.  Spectators get to see the finish at the rodeo arena, then go down to the podium. 

Also new this year is the incorporation and testing of a safety device, mandatory for all bikes and quads.  IRC is donating these warning devices which will alert the rider when a car or truck is coming up behind.  If these safety devices prove to be helpful, they may be used for further off road racing events.  All motorcycle and quad riders will require a rear facing, high intensity safety lite.   (Baja red safety light, part number 60-20-25)  Each rider needs one.  Also the customary red reflector on the back fender and the red reflective tape on the back of your helmet.

Find all the Vegas to Reno final rules, requirements and information here. 

Tracking International will bring live coverage of the event at the start and finish lines.  Bikes start first, Friday morning around 5:45 am.  Cars will follow around 10:00.   Finish may begin as early as 2 pm for bikes and trucks maybe 6 pm.  Racers will continue finishing through Saturday morning.  New this year:  Real TV coverage.  BITD just signed a contract for HDTV for a one hour special to test a tv show for Vegas to Reno on HD Theatre.  They'll sample this to see if they can carry the whole series next year.

There's a big welcome party at the Aliante on Wednesday night, August 18, 7-9 pm.  The After Party awards and barbeque dinner will be Saturday , 6-9 pm at the Grand Sierra.  Here is a complete Vegas to Reno Schedule of Events. 

If you're going to be there, give us a holler on twitter.  @TheRaceShop.