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By Mike Henle
PRIMM – Nineteen year-old Chino Hills, Calif. competitor Justin Davis turned a combined time of 2 hours, 2.21 minutes to take the overall and Unlimited Truck titles during the annual SNORE BeeHive Sports Bar Battle at Primm off road race conducted here Friday through Sunday.
It was a huge weekend for Davis, who also pocketed $1,000 for setting the fastest time of the weekend.
But the talented Davis wasn’t the only high-flying driver who capitalized on the jumps, tight turns and ruts in the desert about 30 miles south of Las Vegas. In traditional fashion, the Battle at Primm was highlighted by everything from the ground-rumbling trucks and Unlimited Class 1 power plants to Baja Bugs to an all-new class for pre-runners in non-stop action that could be heard all the way to Vegas in the north and Barstow in the south.
In fitting style, Davis kicked off the weekend by leading qualifying on Friday before continuing his winning ways during two days of non-stop action that kicked off SNORE’s six-race season which as been bolstered by the strong involvement of Terrible Herbst Motor Sports Garage.
SNORE never slows down and Terrible Herbst’s addition of a $10,000 bonus to the 2013 points series is expected to boost the overall winner’s share to $20,000 as some of America’s top off-road racing talent looks up to an off road racing group founded in 1969.
Through it all, SNORE continued to pack hotel rooms (Primm Valley Resorts, Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s) and attract drivers from several states in what continues as one of the best economic impacts on record.
There may be budget cuts in Washington, but you would not have known it in Primm where off-road racing combined with a remarkable roller coaster continually combines to create one of America’s best playgrounds.
The grand prix style of motor sports drew an estimated 280 entries in several categories and you can bet that employees at Primm properties were wishing that SNORE’s remarkable traveling road show would return every weekend.
As evidenced by hundreds of motor homes, toy haulers and trucks towing off-road vehicles to Primm from every direction, the Beehive Sports Bar Battle at Primm was the infusion every small town in America would welcome.
It wasn’t hard finding satisfied souls whether you were talking about hotel personnel or racers. In what is considered an addiction to horsepower, desert rats not only filled the hotel rooms and restaurants but also had the bars three-deep for hours.
NASCAR’s Daytona 500 may have dominated television sets, but the Battle at Primm highlighted the outdoors so much so that Sawyer Brown lead singer Mark Miller even saluted the event during the blockbuster group’s performance Saturday night at the Star of the Desert inside Buffalo Bill’s.
You see, even in rough economic times, SNORE’s traveling road show is welcomed with open arms whether it’s a tiny bar in Caliente; hundreds of hotel rooms in Primm several times a year; or convenience stores and gas stations in Ridgecrest, Calif., not far from Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California.
In fact, just as eyes all over the country are dreading the evening news because budget cuts are on the horizon, off-roaders are making the rest of the economy look like everything is just fine.
You could call SNORE’s events the perfect storm in an imperfect world. While economists sporting degrees from Ivy League schools continue to predict doom and gloom, off-road racing continues to keep staffs running non-stop.
“You might say that’s what we do,” said energetic SNORE President Brittany Burgos, whose ability to rally the troops is second-to-none. “We have fun and at the same time, we boost businesses with cash and the environment with so much energy that residents and business owners cannot wait for us to return.”
As usual, SNORE’s event presented the perfect combination of a tough layout that was tackled by drivers from several states including Nevada, California, and Arizona, to name a few.
Steve Martin, a long-time former off-road racer from Huntington Beach, Calif., who ran Class 2 in SNORE events, was in attendance at the Battle at Primm with family A.J. Martin members who competed in Class 5 Unlimited. A 67 year-old who owns M&M Cut-O-Matic in Downey, Calif., Martin had a great time.
“For those of use who used to race, it’s really interesting now to see the kids competing,’ said the elder Martin, who has fond memories of the old Mint 400 along with the SNORE 250. “When we originally bought the car in 1977 from Dennis Betcher and Bob Gordon (Robby’s father) the kids were small. We raced from 1977 to the early 1990s and my mom and dad didn’t miss a race.
“To this day even being out there, my mom, Charlotte Martin, was in Primm watching her grandson run. That’s quite a feat considering that Mom is now 95 years old and still rides in the car from tech to the pits.”
On Saturday, A.J. finished third before winning on Sunday. The Martin team pitted with Class 1600 driver Jason Coleman, who is a friend of the family
“What SNORE has done in Primm is bring back what SCORE used to do at Laughlin,” Mr. Martin said. “SNORE did one heckuva job and A.J. will definitely run again in SNORE events.”
Among the many drivers who experienced the tough terrain first-hand was SNORE Tech Director Bill Shapley.
Driving a Sportsman entry, Shapley rolled on the third lap of his heat Saturday. He and his partner Dave Jackson were upside down for while before crews could right-side the vehicle.
“I came into the corner too fast and caught the berm,” explained Shapley. “All of the oil drained out of the car, but it’ll be fine. The really bad thing was that we were running first when it happened.”
Jackson shrugged off the rollover saying “Ah, it was a piece of cake” while Shapley said while the latest incident was the first in this car, it certainly wasn’t the first time he had gone over while off-road racing.
“Kenny (Freeman) and I had several rollovers back in the 1980s,” Shapley explained. “We had a short wheelbase car named Top Banana.”
Other winners in the Battle of Primm included Tony Murray, Class 1 Unlimited; Michael LaPaglia, Class 10; Randy Jones, Class 12; Bree Cloud, Class 13; Steve Olliges, Class 1450; Scott Rasmussen, Class 15; Luke McMillin, Class 1600; Thomas Morales, Class 18; Kevin McKeown, Class 2000; Eric Trondle, Class 3000; Vic Bruckman, Class 5 Unlimited B; Scott Wagstaff, Class 5 Unlimited; Raul Solano, Class 5/1600; Keith Minnicks, Class 7; Nick Lantz, Class 7S; Jacob Davidson, Class 9; Joe Patelli, Heavy Metal; Scott Wisdom, Stock Bug; and Steve Schwab, Stock Full.
SNORE’s next event in the Terrible Herbst Motorsports Championship Series is the Motion Tire Ridgecrest 300 in Ridgecrest, Calif. April 12-14.
SNORE Beehive Sports Bar Battle at Primm
Feb. 22-24
At Primm, Nev.
Unlimited Truck – 1. (first overall) 85 Justin Davis, 2:02.21; 2. 98 Jake Poven 2:14.28.890; 3. 83 Jim Price 2:16.40; 4. 99 Nathan McBride 2:20.34.
Class 1 Unlimited – 1. 109 Tony Murray 2:12.08; 2. 101 Pat Dean, Las Vegas, 2:35.53; 3. 132 Tony Nguyen 2:38.44.
Class 10 – (second overall) 1. 1038 Michael LaPaglia 2:11.46; 2. (third overall) 1002 Cody Freeman, Las Vegas, 2:11.56; 3. 1092 Cody Jeffers 2:13.24; 4. 1074 Sammy Ehrenberg 2:13.30; 5. 1095 Patrick Gailey 2:19.32; 6. 1048 John Hsu 2:24.05; 7. 1081 Jason Saron 2:24.20; 8. 1084 Frank Baird 2:30.41.
Class 12 – 1. 1216 Randy Jones 2:28.07; 2. 1215 Michael Benedict 3:38.36; 3. 1272 Jason Davis 2:42.28.
Class 13 – 1. 1336 Bree Cloud 2:09.16; 2. 1302 Bree Bradley 2:12.57; 3. 1375 Michael Brister 2:17.14; 1309 Desiree Jones 2:23.26; 5. 1388 Jenn Hellstrom 2:26.51; 6. 1378 Dave Nelson 2:31.49.
Class 1450 -- 1. 1451 Steve Olliges, Las Vegas, 1:51.38; 2. 1437 Ryan Dunn 1:59.38; 3. 1447 Darren Parsons 2:01.44; 4. 1457 Brad De Berti 2:002.46; 5. 1484 Josh Taylor 2:04.46; 6. 1436 Nick Tonnelli 2:08.26; 7. 1454 Chris Isenhouer 2:13.17; 8. 1476 Mike Koenig 2:15.01; 9. 1469 Juan Carlos Calderon 2:16.13; 10.1413 1413 Sal Gomez 2:16.33; 11. 1485 Adam Fibin 2:18.19; 12. 1405 Nick Isenhouer 2:18.27; 13. 1482 Ryan Desautels 2:22.57; 14. 1491 Trever Leach 2:23.02; 15. 1412 Jeff Eveler 2:40.46; 16. Duane Evans 2:53.95.
Class 15 – 1. 1565 Scott Rasmussen 1:50.48; 2. 1504 Dean Defreze 1:58.24; 3. 1581 Johnny Burns 1:59.33; 4. 1503 Kelly Suiter 2:07.47; 5. 1524 Aaron Hawley 2:14.52; 6. 1559 Christine Dziurawiec 2:42.63.
Class 1600 – 1. 1688 Luke McMillin 2:22.41; 2. 1680 Bryan Freeman 2:23.04; 3. 1619 Justin Bean 2:22.16; 4. 1600 Jason Coleman 2:26.30; 5. 1634 Curt Geer 2:26.37; 6. 1668 Jordan Poole 2:27.48; 7. 1690 Lorenzo Rodriguez 2:29.15; 8. 1689 Cory Torres 2:29.21; 9. 1655 Darin Anderson 2:31.18; 10. 1629 Johnny Burns 2:36.10; 11. 1608 Hank Winter 2:37.46; 12. 1685 Vince Viola 2:39.36; 13. 1627 Joshua Daniel 2:39.59; 14. 1611 Emme Hall 2:44.25; 15. Stefano Stuart 2:50.31.
Class 18 – 1877 Thomas Morales 2:18.54.
Class 2000 – Kevin McKeown, 1:16.48.
Class 3000 – 1. 3003 Eric Trondle 2:30.12; 2. 3023 Dana Dague 2:53.18; 3. 3017 Lee Allan 3:03.47.
Class 5 Unlimited – 1. 518B Vic Bruckman 2:18.25; 2. 513B A.J. Martin 2:20.32; 3. 545B Billy Gereghty 2:26.30; 4. 502B Scott Moldenhauer 2:39.09; 5. 525B Ben Swift 2:41.29.
Class 5 – 518 Scott Wagstaff 2:00.56.
Class 5-1600 – 1. 550 Raul Solano 2:13.15; 2. 586 David Hendrickson 2:13.40; 3. 564 Mark Lundberg 2:23.15.
Class 7 -- 7234 Keith Minnicks 2:43.05.
Class 7S – 7177 Nick Lantz 2:18.35.
Class 9 – 1. 922 Jacob Davidson 2:11.11; 2. 959 Harley Young 2:11.48; 3. 928 Kyle Vizzo 2:12.50; 4. 901 Christopher De Sousa Dias 2:14.57; 5. 973 Ron Rash 2:15.59; 6. 984 Jorge Ventura 2:16.11; 7.920 Kurt Davidson; 8. 911 Brandon Heald 2:18.43; 9. 982 Dan Bergen 2:18.45; 10. 918 Travis Staley 2:25.11.
Heavy Metal – 800 Joe Patelli 2:46.03.
Stock Bug – 1. 1103 Scott Wisdom 2:20.36; 2. 1179 Michael Brenner 2:21.57; 3. 1163 Dennis Sletten 2:24.53; 4. 1138 Chris Anderson 2:27.24; 5. 1100 Robert Johnson 2:44.03.
Stock Full – 811 Steve Schwab, 2:22.31.
Next race: Motion Tire Ridgecrest 300, April 12-14, Ridgecrest, Calif.
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| The tight 12-mile course of the annual Beehive Sports Bar Battle at Primm featured tight competition throughout the weekend. Shown in this photo are 586 David Hendrickson and 918 Travis Staley. Mike Stokes/Trackside |
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| SNORE’s defending champion Roger Starkey finished ninth in the highly competitive Class 10 category of the annual Beehive Sports Bar Battle at Primm Feb.22-24. |
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| Richard Boyle flies high over the dyke jump of the Beehive Sports Bar Battle at Primm Feb. 22-24. Mike Stokes/Trackside |
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| Southern Nevada charger Cody Freeman finished close behind Southern California driver Michael LaPaglia in Class 10 of the Beehive Sports Bar Battle at Primm Feb. 22-24. Mike Stokes/Trackside |
By Mike Henle
LAS VEGAS -- Bill Shapley showed up in Southern Nevada at the age of 14 in 1970 after living in Pico Rivera, Calif. About a year later, he joined the Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts, and he’s been active with the club ever since.
“I was hanging out with Kenny Freeman while going to Rancho High School,” recalled Shapley, now the owner of NV Automotive at 4580 E. Lake Mead Blvd. in Las Vegas. “He asked me to get involved with SNORE and I didn’t know what he was talking about.”
From there, Freeman’s mother, Marian, took Shapley for a ride in a small pink two-seater and the rest is history.
“I have been hooked ever since,” laughed Shapley. “In fact, you could say that I took it hook, line and sinker.”
What Shapley discovered was an incredible group of people who also became his friends.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” said Shapley, who is now 56.
Nowadays, Shapley is involved even more with SNORE considering that is again serving as the club’s tech director as well as a racer in events with son, Billy, in a Class 13 Sportsman buggy. He’s going to be very busy during the Feb. 22-24 running of the Battle at Primm south of Las Vegas.
“Tommy Ford told me that if he was going to be president of SNORE, I was going to be his race director in 1988,” recalled Shapley of Ford, who now lives in Whitesboro, Tex. “I told Tommy I didn’t know a thing about being race director and he told me we’d have to learn together.
“It all turned out great. I had to not only learn the technical aspects, but also working with the Bureau of Land Management. It was a great experience and most definitely opened a lot of doors for me.”
There are many people that Shapley will never forget.
“First and foremost, the Freeman family along with Roger Gaskill, Denny Selleck and Bert Vaughan,” Shapley recalled. “You mention SNORE and you think of people like this, although there’s actually too many to list.”
In particular, Shapley has high praises for a list of SNORE members who pitched in to help him back in about 2007.
At the time, Shapley weighed 580 pounds and his health was getting worse because of his situation. Before he knew it, SNORE member Steve Alexander spearheaded a fund raiser generating $30,000 so that Shapley could have gastric bypass surgery at Desert Springs Hospital.
Now weighing in at 240 pounds, Shapley feels great. The fact that a lot of the money came from people that he didn’t even know is something that he’ll never forget.
“My blood pressure is good and so is my cholesterol,’’ he said at his shop. “I’m sure that the surgery prolonged my life by at least 20 years. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate SNORE for what its members did for me.
“It was the best thing that ever happened to me and I can now race with Billy, too. The procedure undoubtedly changed my life and I’ll forever be thankful to all of the members of SNORE who helped me.”
Yet another key element following the surgery is the fact that Shapley can now race with his son, Billy.
“Racing with your son is absolutely a big thrill,” the elder Shapley said. “Billy is a good driver and he’s a very good fabricator. He works on his shocks, shocks and suspension. He learned it all working with us at the shop.”
The Battle at Primm set for Feb. 22-24 about 30 miles south of Las Vegas is drawing huge interest.
“As of only few days ago, we had 275 entries,” Shapley said. “We could reach 300 by race day and tech is going to be hectic.
“But it’s all good.”
The Battle at Primm will be staged over 12-mile laps behind Buffalo Bill’s on the east side of I-15. Tech, contingency and qualifying are set for Friday; with a full slate of racing Saturday and Sunday beginning at 7 a.m.
Pit Notes
- The Battle at Primm, SNORE’s opening race for the 2013 season, could draw as many 300 entries from several states including Arizona, California Utah and Nevada; along with a Japanese driver named Dave Matsui, who is entered in Class 12.
- For the first time, both Class 9 and 16 will be qualifying along with the Unlimiteds and Class 1 cars during Friday’s session which begins at 9:15 a.m. behind Buffalo Bill’s.
- Nineteen entries have been pre-entered for the all new Pre-Run class, which enables another fun class to enjoy the sport of off-road racing.
- Class 9 has 33 entries while the event will include 17 Unlimited with names like Pat Dean, Tommy Bradley, Johnny Greaves, Jordan Poole, Justin Davis and Richard Boyle.
- Terrible Herbst gas stations are supplying $50 gas cards that can be used at any of its Southern Nevada stations for the first 60 teams that signed up for the Battle at Primm. To qualify for the Terrible’s tow many, the driver of record must be based more than 200 miles from Primm and have pre-paid their entry in full before the drawing.
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| Tech Director Bill Shapley will again be heavily involved when SNORE kicks off its 2013 season with the Battle at Primm Feb. 22-24 about 30 miles south of Las Vegas. |
By Mike Henle
Four years ago, former SNORE president and avid off-road racer Tommy Ford discovered he had cancer. Knowing he was in for the fight of his life, he scheduled an appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, Tex.
Now 68, Ford has been cured of the “Big C” and he’s living the dream in Whitesboro, Tex., a tiny community of about 3,000 residents near Highway 82 about an hour north of Dallas.
“I’m all well now,” said Ford, whose home sits on 67 acres along the Oklahoma border in northeast Texas. “After my treatments, we decided to buy some land down here and retire.”
Fate has a funny way of leading people from one place to another.
“I never went back to Vegas,” recalled Ford, a native of Corona, Calif., who had lived in Las Vegas since 1955. “We were able to take our motor home when I went to MD Anderson and we were there for three months. I figured out that we had made 19 trips to Houston and just decided that it made better sense to take the motor home.”
A very successful businessman who has owned Ford Contracting in Las Vegas since 1977, the economy in Southern Nevada had just begun its decline when the likeable Ford discovered he needed to visit MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Relaxed and contented to be living east of Gainesville, Tex., near the Red River, Ford has many reasons for staying in the Panhandle state. He’s comfortable on his ranch, where he and his wife, Judy, have eight cows, 35 horses, two Jack Russell Terriers and 11 acres of lawn.
“Judy calls me Forest Gump,” Ford laughed while sitting on the front porch of his Texas home. “There is at least 35 acres that are lawn and we mow that every week.”
However, while he loves the country in Whitesboro, Ford also likes the hospitality of the people.
“I like Texas, and I like the people down here,” Ford said. “I mean everyone from the Fed Ex delivery guy to the postman wants to tell you about their family. People here are just very sincere, and very friendly.”
In addition, the folks in Texas are dedicated to sporting events of all kinds.
“People down here take their athletics very seriously,” Ford said. “We went to a Friday night high school football game in what was called the ‘Battle of the Boroughs’ and there were 12,600 people in the stands.”
While it’s been a long time since he walked away from his last off-road race in the late-1970s or early 1980s, SNORE remain as some of Ford’s best memories of living in Southern Nevada.
“I loved off-road racing,” said Ford, who served as president of SNORE in the mid-1980s. “It was great therapy and besides, all of the kids who worked at Ford Contracting either hunted or raced; and I did both.
“James Mahan got me into the sport and I bought a car that was a homemade Class 2. Then, I bought one of those Racecos and finished 25 points behind Brian Collins in the overall SCORE points standings.
SNORE’s friendly people attracted Ford to the club; and so did the old Mint 400, a huge event that started with tech inspection on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas each spring before more than 400 off-road vehicles found their way to the start-finish line at the old Las Vegas Speedway.
“The Mint 400 was fun,” recalled Ford. “There were people all over the place and women used to lift up their tops as cars went by.
“One time, two gals pulled up their shirts as I was going down the course. I took my eyes off the course to look at them and just about ended up on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.”
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| Popular Southern Nevada businessman Tommy Ford, who was president of SNORE in the early 1980s, moved to northeast Texas after beating cancer four years ago. |
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| Off-road racer Tommy Ford, left, with Holiday Inn Casino General Manager Joe Francis prior to the annual SNORE 250 in the mid-1980s. |
By Mike Henle
LAS VEGAS -- The Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts head into a promising year in 2013 capitalizing on a pair of key components.
First, four SNORE members who spearheaded the club’s vibrant success in 2012 will return for the 2013 season.
And second, the club has capitalized on the fact the series has a new sponsor, that being Terrible Herbst Motor Sports Garage which will headline the year.
With the Terrible Herbst sponsorship comes an added $10,000 to the SNORE points fund, while also giving the overall champion nearly $20,000 based on entries from 2012.
The return of the four leaders coupled with the addition of Terrible Herbst Motor Sports Garage undoubtedly adds even more stability and promise for the SNORE, which was founded in 1969.
Key players returning to the SNORE governing body are President Brittany Burgos, Vice President John Pellissier; Treasurer Debbie Burgos and Race Director Kenny Freeman.
With each return of member leadership came an obvious level of dedication, as SNORE continues a climb that spiraled into prominence en route to a sparkling 2012 season. In true family form, the four leaders joined forces to rally the club into the right direction.
With each member, a commitment had to be made for what will be a long and exciting season.
In Freeman’s case, the decision to return as race director was bitter sweet, since 2013 will mark the second straight year in which his own racing will suffer so that he can spend time helping direct SNORE.
“I definitely miss not being able to get into the car as much as I used to,” explained Freeman. “Off-road racing definitely gets in your blood, especially since I’ve been racing for about 40 years.”
However, Freeman isn’t getting out of competition all together.
“I’m going to pick and choose the events I run in during 2013,” Freeman explained. “I’ll get into the 1600 car at events run by other sanctioning bodies when time permits.
“And besides, we still have several Freemans competing in SNORE events, and that’s particularly satisfying to me, too. I have been fortunate to see my kids race and now I want to see my grand kids race, too.”
Pellissier, who doubled as one of SNORE’s premier Champ Car drivers last year before finishing fourth overall in the standings, concurred with Freeman.
“We laid the ground work last year,” explained the 45 year-old Pellissier, a native Southern Nevadan who makes his living as an air conditioning repairman at the World Market Center in Las Vegas. “We are headed in a very positive direction and I want to see it through.
“We don’t have any egos in this group and we all enjoy seeing what has transpired in the last year. We all have different strengths and that makes us stronger as a team.”
Debbie Burgos, the mother of the SNORE president, comes from a family dedicated to the sport of off-road racing. A goal-oriented member of the sport who works in the legal profession, she is also vitally important considering her position as treasurer of the group.
“I made the decision to remain as treasurer and volunteer coordinator to support my daughter as SNORE president and Race Director Kenny Freeman’s heroic efforts to keep SNORE alive and thriving in the future. SNORE has done an amazing job considering all of the adversities it has faced; and it is still considered to be one of the premier off-road racing organizations in the country.
“Our family loves the off road sport, and more importantly, the people involved in the sport. So in order to see our sport continue, we have to step up and make sacrifices, not only with our time but also with our hearts.”
While the sport of off-road racing requires extreme dedication, the rewards are well worth it, Burgos added.
“There are days when it gets extremely frustrating and I would like to just quit, but as soon as the checkered flag drops and the dust settles, the satisfaction from what has just accomplished by our little group of volunteers makes it all worth it.”
The younger Burgos took over the presidency after a tumultuous 2011 season; promising to help bring unity and stability along with direction to SNORE.
“I knew it would be a huge task, but I love SNORE,” said the 2006 graduate of Centennial High School in Las Vegas. “We accomplished a lot in 2012, but only because we banded together to perform as a very strong team.
“Now, we’re going to reach even higher levels in 2013.”
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SNORE opens the 2013 season with the Battle at Primm Feb. 22-24 south of Las Vegas.
Four key officers with the Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts have committed to lead the club again in 2013. From left, Vice President John Pellissier; President Brittany Burgos; Treasurer Debbie Burgos; and Race Director Kenny Freeman.
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CONTACTS:
Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483; Brittany Burgos, President, Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts, 702-325-9623;
By Mike Henle
The late legendary singer Frank Sinatra made the song “It Was a Very Good Year” famous.
And when the Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts wrapped up its 43rd year with a year end banquet Jan. 5 at Harrah’s in Laughlin, Nev., Sinatra’s music would have been perfect for the background.
Indeed, 2012 was a very good year; and the combination of SNORE’s completion of a rich six-race series with blockbuster additions to the 2013 campaign were proof of that.
To add perfect balance to a great year, SNORE officials also donated a check for $4,300 to the Make A Wish Foundation the result of a benefit presented Nov. 3 in Laughlin. A total of 49 youngsters battling cancer were given rides in an assortment of off-road vehicles in what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
Roger Starkey, a talented, 28 year-old high-flying Class 10 competitor from Burbank, Calif., who makes his living selling medical devices, won the prestigious overall SNORE Kartek points championship. He pocketed a check of more than $3,300 for his efforts; along with additional incentive money which includes free entries for the entire 2013 SNORE season that kicks off with the Battle at Primm Feb. 22-24.
Starkey mounted a total of 3,838 points; only 26 better than Jason Coleman and 88 points head of Blaine Conrad. When he’s not racing the desert, Starkey is selling pacemakers and defibrillators to doctors in Southern California.
Starkey is actually in the surgery room when the pacemakers and defibrillators are installed in a patient’s body and he follows up to make certain each are working correctly.
Class 18 kingpin John Pellissier of Las Vegas was fourth with 3,706 points while Class 11 entry Robert Johnson was fifth with 3,419 points.
Rounding out the top ten in the final points were Greg Crew, who had 3.405 points in his Class 12 car; Class 1 driver Richard Boyle, 3,384 points; Giti Gowland, 3,292 in Class 9; Jeff Bruner, 3,284 in Class 1600; and Michael Benedict in Class 12 with 3,250 points.
Class champions for the year included Team Ford executive Steve Olliges (Unlimited Truck); Boyle (Class 1); Crew (Class 12); Coleman (1600); Tom Bird (5-1600); Steve Albrect (7); Giti Gowland (9); Pellissier (Champ Car); Robert Johnson (Stock Bug); John Gould (3000); Bill Morris (UTV); Eric Trondle (Unlimited Sportsman); Jordan Poole (Limited Sportsman); and Darren Parsons (1450).
The dedicated Starkey was quick to thank his father, Roger, Sr., for a level of dedication that held the team together in what can be a very challenging endeavor.
“”He is very determined and very driven,” said Roger Starkey, Sr., 58, who shared driving responsibilities with his son at Ridgecrest and the Midnight Special. “He likes everything to be just right; everything to be perfect and he likes to win.
“He has been racing since he was 14 and he took some time off when he was going to college. I had him in some older cars when he was younger and that taught him about the desert.
“Roger knows that to finish first; first you must finish. That’s an old cliché, but it’s also very true.”
The 2012 SNORE champion won his first-ever title and was also first to say that without a teamwork effort, no one ever rises to the top especially on a level of competition such as the one in off-road racing events.
“We’re first going to run Parker the first weekend of February and then we’re going to run the Battle at Primm,” Mr. Starkey explained. “Then, we’ll probably run the rest of the SNORE season.”
Year-end banquets are not easy to produce, but this one was perfect. From the continual footage featuring SNORE’s non-stop action in locales that ranged from Lucerne Valley and Ridgecrest in Southern California to Caliente and Primm in Nevada; there was no end to the evidence that SNORE has returned bigger and better than ever.
Records show that SNORE awarded approximately $190,000 in cash and prizes during 2012 with key sponsorships including Race Fuel, Team Ford, Sunoco, Kartek and Motion Tire bonuses. In addition, approximately $30,000 was awarded in cash and prizes at the yearend banquet.
Equally as important during the banquet was the fact that SNORE’s “very good year” in 2012 will be even better in 2013 considering that Terrible Herbst’s Motorsports Garage in Las Vegas has committed $25,000 to sponsor the series next year.
Starkey traveled nearly four hours and 300 miles to attend the gathering in Laughlin and many others set aside the weekend to make certain they attended, too.
Olliges was among the most noteworthy off-road competitors considering his position of owner of Team Ford in northwest Las Vegas.
“SNORE has done a great job this year,” said Olliges, a big backer of the group who won the Unlimited Truck title in 2012. “We are going to be involved in sponsoring SNORE’s races during the year.”
Other special honors presented during the night included the Jimmy Schaefer Award presented to SNORE President Brittany Burgos; the Denny Selleck/Don Dayton award presented to Kenny Freeman; Mechanic of the Year to Bill Shapley and Transmission Builder of the Year to Dave Folts.
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| Burbank, Calif., Class 10 driver Roger Starkey, shown with SNORE’s Tiffiany Cox, was declared the 2012 Kartek overall champion Saturday, Jan. 5 at Harrah’s in Laughlin. |
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| The Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts combined to raise $4,300 for the Make a Wish Foundation during the annual Wish Ride in Laughlin in November. SNORE Vice President John Pellissier, left, and MJ Smith of The Laughlin Tourism Commission, center, are shown presenting the check to Caleen Johnson, executive director at the Make A Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada at the annual SNORE year end banquet Jan. 5 at Harrah’s in Laughlin. |
CONTACTS: Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483; Roger Starkey, 818-590-6373; Brittany Burgos, SNORE President, 702-325-9623.
By Mike Henle
The Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts just completed a banner season marked by a remarkable revival, of sorts, and 28 year-old Southern California racer Roger Starkey is leading the charge to Laughlin where SNORE will conduct its year end banquet Saturday, Jan. 5.
The gathering slated for an 7 p.m. start (a cash bar starts the festivities at 5 p.m. with dinners et for 6 p.m.) at Harrah’s will not only honor the top competitors, but also serve as a setting to officially announce what is expected to be yet another banner season in 2013.
Starkey, who makes his living in medical device sales for St. Judes Medical in Burbank, Calif., powered his Class 10 entry to the class and overall SNORE points titles mounting a total of 3,838 points; only 26 points better.
Class 18 driver John Pellissier of Las Vegas was fourth with 3,706 than runnerup Class 1600 competitor Jason Coleman of Las Vegas; and another 1600 battler Blaine Conrad, who was third with 3,746 points, while Class 11 entry Robert Johnson was fifth with 3,419 points.
Rounding out the top ten in the final points were Greg Crew, who had 3.405 points in his Class 12 car; Class 1 driver Richard Boyle, 3,384 points; Giti Gowland, 3,292 in Class 9; and Jeff Bruner, 3,284 in Class 1600.
Starkey started out the six-race season by taking the top points at the Battle at Primm south of Las Vegas before finishing runner up to Conrad in the PC300.
Starkey captured three of his races including Battle at Primm; PCI 300 in Ridgecrest; and EXA SNORE 250 in Primm.
His worst finish came in the season-ender at the Rage at the River the weekend of Dec. 7-9.
“We had a DNF on Sunday of the Rage at the River,” he said. “The transmission gave out on us. We had a great day on Saturday and then had a transmission problem that put us out.”
This time, Starkey will be heading for Laughlin to collect a strong payday along with his first-ever racing title.
“Our original plan last January was to compete in all of the SNORE races and win the Class 10 title,” Starkey said. “We started out good and realized that we were really competitive for the overall championship. We had met our goal, went for the overall title and everything worked out.”
Starkey praises his father, Roger, Sr. for his efforts.
“He kept everything in line for us,” the younger Starkey said.
Now, the 2012 SNORE champion is deciding what’s next for 2013.
“We’re going to run Parker and the Battle at Primm and see which way we’re going to go,” he said.
Other SNORE Class champions that will be honored for their performances in 2012 include Team Ford executive Steve Olliges (Unlimited Truck); Boyle (Class 1); Crew (Class 12); Coleman (1600); Tom Bird (5-1600); Steve Albrect (7); Gowland (9); Pellissier (Champ Car); Robert Johnson (Stock Bug); John Gould (3000); Bill Morris (UTV); Eric Trondle (Unlimited Sportsman); Jordan Poole (Limited Sportsman); and Darren Parsons (1450).
SNORE has big plans for the 2013 schedule including six races. In addition, a major sponsorship for the year was announced recently when officials said that Terrible’s Performance Garage had committed $25,000 for the series.
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| Roger Starkey, of Burbank, Calif., raced to the overall SNORE title in 2012. |
CONTACTS: Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483; Roger Starkey, 818-590-6373; Brittany Burgos, SNORE President, 702-325-9623.
By Mike Henle
LAUGHLIN, Nev. -- (Dec. 9, 2012) -- When the annual SNORE Hostyle Rage at the River was completed here Sunday afternoon, 37 year-old Southern California contractor Josh Daniel had accomplished about all he could for the weekend.
Driving an earth-shaking, fire-breathing 700-horsepower Danzio Performance Engineering Class 1 entry, the talented Daniel set fast time Friday, won his heat Saturday and finally wrapped up what is known as a hat trick by taking the overall win Sunday.
Julius Caesar once said “I came; I saw; I conquered” and Daniel might say the same thing about his trip to this city along the Colorado River. He might not have expected such success heading for Laughlin, but the end result was Gold Medal all the way.
Daniel, a hard-driving competitor who has been around the sport for about 30 years but didn’t start racing until about seven years ago when he could afford to buy his own equipment, was not just a dominating force.
He beat highly-respected Class 1 Unlimited driver Harley Letner by a time of 56.59 to 57.55, but he was dominating nonetheless.
“I really haven’t had any big wins lately,” said Daniel. “I have just been driving Trophy Trucks for some of the other guys; and I haven’t won since SNORE’s Plaster City race in 2011.”
Daniel is a hard-driving off-roader and nobody knows that better than his co-driver Allen Hickerson. He praised SNORE for a well-run event.
“I thought it was awesome,” Daniel said. “SNORE did an excellent job and the race was really well organized. Day Two on the track was really rough and it wasn’t for the weak at heart. It was almost like a controlled car wreck for an hour.”
Daniel was quick to praise Danzio co-owner Chris Muzio saying “He’s the brains behind this team. Without him, we have no racing.
“We have a lot of guys at the shop who are also a big help including our mechanic Mitch Tolano. “
Nobody knows Daniel’s talent better than his co-rider Allen Hickerson, who loves his role.
“It’s exciting,” said Hickerson, 31, of Vista Calif., who also works for Daniel at D and D Laser Screed in Lake Elsinore, Calif. “I’m used to it because we have driven together for so many years. It’s like driving with my best friend. I trust him and believe his judgment. I don’t get scared. It’s very exciting and very enjoyable. Many people probably won’t believe that, but it’s true.
“We had a little bit of luck on our side and had a flawless weekend. The mechanics did a great a job on the car and we got by without any mechanical issues. There were great drivers out there this weekend. Harley had a plug wire burn out on the first day, so he was off a cylinder. It could have been way more interesting if Harley hadn’t had any problems.”
Hickerson certainly played a big part in Daniel’s giant weekend.
“II just pay attention to my job,” he said. “I watch the GPS and the temperatures. I concentrate on my job and that is to help him the best I can.”
Sammy Zaranti of Riot Racing praised the event and the final results of Jordan Poole, who finished tenth overall in Unlimited; along with a Sportsman buggy run by Poole and Clint Braun.
“It was an awesome event,” said Zaranti, who is the chief mechanic for Riot Racing in Las Vegas. “Mark Ewing is the team owner and driver and he wasn’t able to make the event, so Jordan debuted as a driver and did very well.”
Jordan finished third in the trucks and tenth overall; while Braun teamed with Jordan to win both days in Sportsman buggy.
“The course was definitely rough and challenging,” said Zaranti, a 39 year-old resident of Las Vegas since 1988. “We had some very technical moon bumps which were so big they could swallow up a truck.
“You definitely had to do your homework pre-running to make sure you got around the technical courses while also being successful in a quick fashion.”
Zaranti said he and Jordan wanted to thank Ewing for letting them race his flawlessly prepped truck.
“We actually had a flat in the Trophy Truck and changed it in about 30 seconds,” explained Zaranti. “We didn’t lose a position and finished in third place on Sunday.”
Zaranti said Riot Racing was planning to expand its operations in 2013. He added that SNORE would be included in several of the team’s events.
“We should be in Primm to start the season,” he said.
The event drew about 170 entries from several states. Among the many teams that competed was the prominent McMillin family, a prominent off-road racing group with rich ties to the sport.
Dan McMillin won the Unlimited Truck class, while Luke McMillin, who has been a kingpin in Mexico races, competed in the 1600 category.
SNORE will open the 2013 season Feb. 21-24 with the Battle at Primm.
Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts
HOSTYLE Rage at the River
Friday through Sunday
Laughlin, Nev.
Unlimited Truck – 1. Dan McMillin 1:58.20; 2. Scott Whipple 2:05.56; 3. Jordan Poole 2:08.04; 4. Steve Olliges 2:13.30; 5. Tony Scott 2:21.13.
Class 1 Unlimited – 1. Josh Daniel (first overall) 1:53.16; 2. Harley Letner 1:54.38 (second overall); 3. Richard Boyle 1:59.48; 4. Adam Householder 2:0018; 5. Richard Boyle 2:06.17; 6. Kelly Mather 2:08.01; 7. Kyle Murray 2:13.25.
Class 10 – 1. Michael LaPaglia 2:05.10; 2. Matt Laughlin 2:12.24; 3. David Norris 2:12.44; 4. Brett Mauer 2:12.47; 5. Mike McGee 2:18.50; 6. Jason Saran 2:19.57; 7. Dave Terrel 2:34.18.
Class 12 – 1. Daniel Folts 2:11.30; 2. Rick Poole 2:14.45; 3. Todd Stemmerman 2:19.44; 4. Craig Crew 2:35.24; 5. Michael Benedict 2:43.51.
Class 13 – 1. Jordan Poole 2:00.49; 2. Nicholas Meyers 2:05.42; 3. Bree Cloud 26.35; 4. Mark Brister 2:27.21.
Class 1450 – 1. Allen Byma 1:54.30; 2. Ryan Dunn 1:55.19; 3. Jerry Musgrave 1:55.37; 4. Jeremy Smeltzer 1:58.44; 5. Ulisis Galvan 2:12.39; 6. Nick Tonelli 2:16.321; 7. Kevin Mckeown 2:19.00; 8. Thomas Byma 2:27.54.
Class 15 – 1. Richard Blunk 1:53.18; 2. Mitch Terrell 2:30.35.
Class 16 – 1. Curt Geer 2:18.12; 2. Corey Boyer 2:18.42; 3. Blaine Conrad 2:19.12; 4. Ross Mattox2:20.15; 5. Justin Smith 2:20.43; 6. Cody Robinson 2:23.10; 7. Michael Ward2:24.36; 8. Brian Munson 2:27.59; 9. Bob Hendrickson 2:28.27; 10. Luke McMillin 2:29.28.
Class 18 – 1. Anthony Perrucci 2:21.9; 2. Craig Williams 2:30.06.
Class 3000 – 1. Gary Messer 2:25.37; 2. Ryan Frisby 2:25.56; 3. Eric Trondle 2:27.28.
Class 5-1600 – Tom Bird 2:38.35.
Class 7 – 1. Robert Reckinger 2:45.04.
Class 9 – 1. Forest Creasy 2:06.37; 2. Kyle Vizzo 2:33.58.
Stock Bug – 1. Scott Wisdom 1:51.38; 2. David Hendrickson 1:51.46; 3. Robert Johnson 1:56.39.
Stock Full – Lori English 2:12.44.
UTV Pro – Tony Larabell 1:56.07.
VORE – Walt Pistor 2:05.06.
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| Hard-driving Josh Daniel dominated the annual SNORE HOSTYLE Rage at the River in Laughlin, Nev. Dec. 7-9. He won the Class 1 and overall titles in an event that drew about 170 entries to the city about 100 miles south of Las Vegas. (Dave Conklin/Trackside photo). |
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| The McMillin family of San Diego, Calif., was well-represented during SNORE’s Rage at the River in Laughlin, Nev. Dec. 7-9. Dan McMillin won the Unlimited Truck class and finished third overall. (Dave Conklin/Trackside photo). |
Contacts: Kenny Freeman, SNORE Race Director, 702-232-6296; Brittany Burgos, SNORE President, 702-325-9623; Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483; MJ Smith, Laughlin 702-298-2212; or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Mike Henle
Craig Williams is better known as a top-rated radio personality who can be heard in Las Vegas on KOMP 92.3 every weekday morning.
A native of Southern Nevada., the 51 year-old Williams will be among a field of about 170 entries Friday through Sunday when the Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts’ HOSTYLE Rage at the River converges on Laughlin.
In fact, the personable Williams has found the ideal way to relax in his Class 1800 off-road buggy, even though the challenges are huge and the sport can be expensive.
Originally invited to attend a SNORE race in about 1986 by Bekki Wik, whose family has been involved with SNORE for more than 40 years, Williams has been hooked since Day One.
Ironically, Williams found out about the sport the hard way. Like the radio business that he has been in since 1986, he’s a true survivor.
“He rode with my dad (Ken, Sr.) in the SNORE Bottom Dollar at Nellis Dunes and the car rolled in the early stages of the race,” explained Kenny Freeman, Jr. “I asked him last year in December to see if he wanted to come out again.
“He came out to the Battle of Primm and actually did pretty well. “He finished second and he has raced every race except one this year.”
Freeman said that Williams’ dedication to the sport is evidenced by how he has done this year.
“He has been in the hunt in every race,” Freeman said. “He’s had a gremlin hit him a couple of times, but he’s been either the leader or right on the heels of first place in most races.”
Williams, a 1979 graduate of Virgin Valley High School in Mesquite, admits that he’s hooked on off-road racing. In fact, he may become SNORE’s Rookie of the Year.
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Williams, who moved to Las Vegas in 1986.
“I am most definitely hooked on off-road racing,” explained Williams, who has worked with Lotus Broadcasting in Las Vegas for 26 years. “It’s a great relaxation for me. It’s fast and it’s furious but at the same time it’s relaxing because I cannot focus on anything but the car and the course.
“When you’re in an off-road race car, the everyday stresses simply go away. You can’t think about anything else but driving a car. The adrenalin rush is really good for you. It’s a natural anti-depressant.”
Williams really didn’t think he would continue in off-road race after his first race.
“I talked to Kenny and thanked him for the experience and hit him up for another ride at the same time,” he laughed. “I’m second in points right now and as long as I finish in Laughlin, I’ll end up second in points behind Jon Pellisier in the class.
“I’m pretty proud of that.”
Williams loves the short-course layouts such as the one that will be used in Laughlin.
“I think the short course racing is the direction that the sport is going,” he said. “It’s excellent for the fans and I also think it’s good for the sport. If you break down, you can get to the pit. I had so much fun at Primm.
“Short-course racing is our future, like it or not.”
Williams’ family includes his wife of 11 years, Amanda; along with a daughter, Alyssa, 9.
“My wife is wonderful,” said Williams. “She supports me in everything I do. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
The car Williams drives belongs to Freeman.
“Kenny just put me in it to have a little fun and the rest is history. Look for me to be on the podium much more in 2013.
SNORE will also bring its 2012 awards banquet to Laughlin the beginning of January. Details will be released later.
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| Long-time Las Vegas radio personality Craig Williams will be back in the driver’s seat during SNORE’s HOSTYLE Rage at the River |
Contacts: Kenny Freeman, SNORE Race Director, 702-232-6296; Brittany Burgos, SNORE President, 702-325-9623; Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483; MJ Smith, Laughlin 702-298-2212; or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Craig Williams, 702-876-1460.
By Mike Henle
You might say that the city of Laughlin, Nev. has formed an official partnership with the Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts.
Fresh off the heartwarming Wish Ride to benefit youngsters fighting cancer Nov. 3 in Laughlin, SNORE returns to the city alongside the Colorado River Dec. 7-9 for its year-ending HOSTYLE Presents Rage at the River, a two-day off-road extravaganza that is expected to draw more than 170 entries.
The Wish Ride, which took a two year sabbatical, came back in full force with 49 cancer victims, their families and their friends converging on the Laughlin Events Park for a day of good times.
SNORE drivers brought everything from buggies to trucks and provided rides over a specially-prepared five-mile course; while giving kids the chance to (a) experience the sport and (b) get away from the stresses related to dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
The oldest off-road racing body in the country, SNORE was formed in 1969 although the Wish Ride was a new addition to the schedule this year.
“This is one of those feel-good events, for sure,” said SNORE President Brittany Burgos. “SNORE is a family club anyway and most of our members have children.
“So when the chance came to help present the Wish Ride, we put the event in high gear and together with the wonderful people of the Laughlin Tourism Commission, we were able to put smiles on a lot of face; and frankly haven’t had much to smile about lately in the eyes of many of those struggling with cancer.”
SNORE Vice President Jon Pellissier and other members of SNORE have worked diligently all year long to not only provide off-road races, but also give back to Southern Nevada at the same time. He was quick to point out that every off-road race requires intense planning and follow up; and the Wish Ride was no different.
“We could not have pulled this off without the help of MJ Smith and her partners of the Laughlin Tourism Commission,” Pellissier said, adding that buses donated by Laughlin Event Partners provided the badly-needed transportation to get the young people and their families to the track.
“Even more importantly, the Laughlin Tourism Commission and its properties provided the rooms for the families; and Brett and Christie Dennis of Laughlin added extra money to cover the expenses of transportation. Dollar Loan Center of Las Vegas also donated funds to help with the transportation.”
Better yet was the fact that the Wish Ride generated about $6,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada; and the amount is expected to increase even more considering that SNORE is going to pass the hat at the HOSTYLE presents the Rage at the River.
“We’re not done yet either,” said Kenny Freeman, who serves as SNORE’s race director.
“We love coming to Laughlin where we are treated so well by the people there. Overall, we race in several communities each year, but I think it goes without saying that while every site is special Laughlin, is like a second home to many of us.
“And it’s also true that the young people struggling to beat cancer feel the same way considering how well the Wish Ride went this year. All of us at SNORE feel as though the Wish Ride will remain in Laughlin for years to come; along with great auto racing, too.”
Off-road racing is important to Laughlin, according to Smith, who moved from Tucson, Ariz., to assume her role with Laughlin Tourism Commission in 2008.
“For each of SNORE’s events dating back to 2010, the economic impact for each race averages $5 million,” explained Smith. “This race comes to Laughlin on our second slowest weekend of the year. I cannot stress how important this event is to our families of this community.
“It really is important to us and we have strived to make it successful and make sure it continues. We understand that race teams have a lot of choices. It’s humbling for us to see so many race teams return each year.”
SNORE will also bring its 2012 awards banquet to Laughlin the beginning of January. Details will be released later.
The Laughlin Tourism Commission is comprised of the Colorado Belle, the Edgewater, the Tropicana Laughlin, River Palm; Golden Nugget Laughlin; Pioneer Gambling Hall and Harrah’s Laughlin.
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| The Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts (SNORE) returns to Laughlin, Nev., its home-away-from home Dec. 7-9 for the annual HOSTYLE Presents Rage on the River. SNORE combined with Laughlin leaders and other sponsors to present the Wish Ride for youngsters battling cancer Nov. 3. |
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| M.J. Smith of the Laughlin Tourism Commission welcomes the throng prior to the Nov. 3 Wish Ride for youngsters battling cancer. The event was co-promoted several groups including the Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts, which heads back to Laughlin Dec. 7-9 for the HOSTYLE Presents Rage at the River off road race. |
Contacts: Kenny Freeman, SNORE Race Director, 702-232-6296; Brittany Burgos, SNORE President, 702-325-9623; Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483; MJ Smith, Laughlin 702-298-2212; or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
