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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.
By Mike Henle
PRIMM, Nev. (Oct. 21, 2012) – You might say that the 43rd annual SNORE 250 presented by EXA 94.5 here Oct. 20-21 was a true testament to a hearty group of off-road enthusiasts who refuse to surrender. The event venue had to be moved from Pahrump in early September to a ten-mile course behind Buffalo Bill’s after a breakdown in negotiations with Bureau of Land Management.
Pahrump, situated about 80 miles northwest of this city, had been primed for a Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts event only to see the certain economic boost escape because of a breakdown with the BLM.
Race Director Kenny Freeman explained that the BLM wanted an outlandish amount of money to permit the race; adding “they wanted more for our race than the Mint 400 was this year. It was insane.”
Nonetheless, one of the nation’s longest-running off-road events was completed after attracting an impressive field of about 70 entries in several classes.
And in virtually every case, drivers, their crews and the fans all concurred that SNORE again pulled off a dandy effort despite a monumental challenge.
In an area where magicians are a dime-a-dozen, SNORE literally pulled a rabbit out of a hat.
“We are very happy with how everything turned out,” said SNORE’s first-year president Brittany Burgos, who saluted club members for a true teamwork effort while also thanking executives with Buffalo Bill’s for accommodating SNORE’s fourth race of the season. “It certainly got a little tense, but it all turned out fine.”
The EXA 94.5 SNORE 250, which originated in southwest Las Vegas on what is now the posh Spanish Trail Country Club, was non-stop action. With heat races starting at 7 a.m. each day, the weekend extravaganza had everything from Sportsman and Class 9 to the earth-rumbling Class 1s and Unlimited Trucks.
The always-smiling TJ Flores of North Las Vegas combined with Stephanie Reynolds of Hope, Ark., to take the overall and Unlimited Truck victories.
“I was able to air it out a few times,” said Flores, whose ride is owned by Reynolds, whose own racing career is known for her competition in UTV races. “We had a flawless weekend and the truck ran great.”
Jason Coleman, the talented 28 year-old Huntington Beach, Calif. charger, won the highly-competitive 1600 category escaping a strong field including nemesis Blaine Conrad.
Coleman’s victorious weekend gave him his second consecutive SNORE 250 triumph; along with his second straight SNORE win after taking the win SNORE/MORE KC HiLites Midnight Special Sept. 8 in Lucerne Valley, Calif., south of Barstow.
“Our Wiks racing engine was strong all weekend,” said the likeable Coleman. “Our win should really tighten up the points standings, too.”
Coleman added that he would attend the Baja 1000 before ending the year in Laughlin where SNORE will present the HOSTYLE presents Rage at the River Dec.7-9; along with the heart-warming Make a Wish Ride for children that are terminally ill.
Capitalizing with his co-driver Jeremy Munyon, Coleman quickly looked forward to SNORE’s final event of the year; the HOSTYLE presents Rage at the River Dec. 7-9 in Laughlin, Nev.
Vic Bruckmann, a 39 year-old electrician from Lemon Grove, Calif., was among the others with huge smiles following his victory in the Class 12 competition.
“The weekend went incredibly well,” said Bruckmann, who made the trek to Primm with his wife of nine years, Michelle; and the couple’s four year-old son, Lucas. “We barely got the motor in time and I can’t say enough about George Jimenez, who built it.”
In fact, while Bruckmann certainly had to burn the midnight oil for the race, he was also happy with the revised format.
“We had a great race and I actually like the Grand Prix types of races like these,” Bruckmann said. “Randy Jones held me to it all weekend.”
Mrs. Bruckman, who also runs a Class 5 entry in some off-road races, praised her hard-working husband.
“He works very hard on the car,” Michelle said of her husband. “We are really happy with the engine performance.”
One of the most spirited efforts of the weekend was turned in by 19 year-old Harley Young, a resident of Barstow who just enrolled in Barstow Community College.
“I have been around off-road racing all my life,” said the energetic and inspirational Young, who powered a Class 9 entry.
“I got a car three years ago and then built this one. It’s my first win in this car.”
Young was also quick to compliment SNORE.
“It’s really nice that they were able to pull this off,” he said. “Everything worked out and I really enjoy SNORE. This is a very friendly group and everyone is willing to help one another.”
Another repeat winner was John Pellissier, whose bald head and big smile might earn him the modern day nickname of “Mr. Clean.” A kingpin of Class 18, Pellissier journeyed from Las Vegas to continue his domination of the Champ category.
“It was a tough course, for sure,” said Pellissier. “It had a little bit of everything and we enjoyed every bit of it.”
Pellissier’s co-driver, Jayson Kirchefer, 27, also enjoyed the memorable event. The two work at the World Market Center in Las Vegas.
“I really enjoyed it,” said Kirchefer, who used to ride with Cody Freeman.
Long-time SNORE regular Bill Shapley may have put it best Saturday when he added “This was a blast. Anyone who missed it really missed a great one.”
Next up for SNORE is the annual HOSTYLE presents Rage at the River in Laughlin, Nev. Dec. 7-9.
Further information regarding SNORE can be found by visiting www.snoreracing.net.
For photos of the event, please contact Mike Stotts at http://www.tracksidephoto.com/.
Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts
43rd annual EXA 94.5
Oct. 20-21, 2012
Primm, Nevada
Oct. 20-21, 2012
Primm, Nevada
Overall results
1. No. 80 TJ Flores and Stephanie Reynolds. 2:07.37; 2. No. 156 Richard Boyle, 2:14.22; 3. No. 51 Steve Olliges, 2:18.34.
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| TJ Flores is sky-high en route to the overall and Unlimited Truck victory Oct. 21 in the EXA 94.5 SNORE 250 in Primm, Nev. (Photo by Mike Stotts/Trackside) |
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| Jason Coleman of Huntington Beach, Calif. outlasted Blaine Conrad to capture the 1600 class of the EXA 94.5 SNORE 250 in Primm, Nev. (Photo by Mike Stotts/Trackside). |
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| There was no shortage of rollovers during the EXA 94.5 SNORE 250 in Primm, Nev.; and race sponsor Eric Palacios was just one of them (Mike Stotts/Trackside). |
CONTACTS: Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483.
PRIMM, Nev. -- The EXA 94.5 Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts enters into the 43rd year of the EXA 94.5 SNORE 250 here Saturday and Sunday with a new three-day format.
And one driver, 28 year-old Huntington Beach, Calif., contractor Jason Coleman wouldn’t miss the race no matter what.
“The second half of the season has been better so far,” said Coleman, a big believer in SNORE who is currently second in the overall points behind Roger Starkey of Burbank, Calif. “We won the SNORE 250 last year and wouldn’t miss it.”
Coleman runs in the brutally competitive Class 16 category, while Starkey is in Class 10.
“We have considered running in other series events, but keep coming back to SNORE because we love what it offers,” Coleman said. “SNORE has the best competition for 1600. It’s always fun.”
Coleman, who said that he has considered building a Class 10 car, said his biggest concern in 1600 is fellow 1600 driver Blaine Conrad, who is currently fourth in the overall points with 2,367 points.
Good teamwork has been a key ingredient for Coleman this year. Pit crew members Jason Brisco (prep) along with Mike Hill, R.J. Dewitt and Jeremy Munyon are also considered significant reasons for Coleman’s success.
For the first time in the history of the SNORE 250, the format will include two days of racing over a 10-mile course. Originally scheduled over a long course in Pahrump west of Las Vegas, SNORE had to scramble and moved the race to Primm when an agreement couldn’t be reached with the BLM in Pahrump.
“We really had to get moving,” said SNORE Race Director Kenny Freeman. “We just didn’t have much time and thankfully, we were able to work out an agreement with the folks in Primm for this year’s SNORE 250.”
SNORE will kick off the event Friday with a fun run from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tech Inspection and contingency will be from 1:30 – 7:30 and then a drivers meeting is set for 8 p.m.
Heat races will begin each day at 7 a.m. and run all day long. The awards are scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday.
Further information can be found by visiting www.snoreracing.net.
2012 SNORE Kar Tek overall points standings
1. Roger Starkey (10) 2,679; 2. Jason Coleman (10) 2.634; 3. John Pellissier (18) 2,582; 4. Blaine Conrad (1600) 2,367; 5. Greg Crew (12) 2305; 6. Robert Johnson (11) 2235; 7. Richard Boyle (1) 2,148; 8. Giti Gowland (9) 2,147; 9. Michael Benedict (12) 1,115; 10. Jeff Bruner (16) 2,090.
Class 1 – Richard Boyle, 2,148; 2. CJ Hutchins 1485; 3. TJ Flores 1,397; 4. Kelly Mather 1,224; 5. Josh Daniel 775; 6. Sean Mecham 710; 7.Brian Wyborny 680; 8. Johnny Greaves 658; 9. Kevin Colan 645; 10. Jim Knox 640.
Class 7 – 1. Steven Albrecht 1,408; 2. Kevin Soder 667; 3. Cronus Dillard 603; 4.Brian Simmer 598; 5. Broc Hersam 455; 6. Keith Smith 360; 7. Dana Dague 340.
Class 8 – 1. Richard Waite 507; 2.. Joe Patelli 471.
Class 9 – 1. Giti Gowland 2,147; 2. Brian Caudill 1,,872; 3. Brandon Holly 1,167; 4. Brandon Wright 1,080; 5. Tyler Peterson 1,000; 6. Paul Robinson 955. 7. Kyle Vizzo 920; 8. Eric Muller 730; 9. Kyle Cox 711; 10. Jimmy Taranto 704.
Class 10 – 1. Roger Starkey 2,679; 2. Hunter Buettner 1,875; 3. Blaine McDonald 1,810; 4. Cody Jeffers 1,204; 5. Brett Mauer 880; 6. James Dean 750; 7. Cody Reid 744; 8. Clay Flippin 712; 9. Bekki Wik 635; 10. Bill Zolg 62.
Class 11 – 1. Robert Johnson 2,253; 2. Steve Bertrand 1,502; 3. Michael Brenner 1,465; 4. Chris Anderson 1,075; 5. Dave Cote 714; 6. Gary Herrod 672; 9. Ryan McCrory 585; 10. Chris Green 565.
Class 12 – 1. Greg Crew 2,305;2. Michael Benedict 2,115; 3. Ken Tappert 1,227; 4. Brady Wisdom 1,135; 5. Bob Dziurawiec 1,127; 6. Vic Bruckman 1,099; 7. Steve Waters 1,080; 8. Ralph Potts 706; 9. Paul Keller 667; 10.Danny Savant 640.
Class 18 – 1. John Pellissier 2,582; 2. Cody Freeman 1,128; 3. Anthony Perrucci 962; 4. Craig Williams 827; 5. Daniel Maurer 760.
Class 3000 – 1. John Gould 1,688; 2. Jay Wallick 691; 3. Ryan Frisby 672; 4. Braden Abati 622; 5. Dan Pfister 560.
Class 1-2 1600 – 1. Jason Coleman 2,634; 2. Blaine Conrad 2,367; 3. Jeff Bruner 2,090; 4. Bryan Myers 1,245; 5. Daniel Bellefontaine 1,149.
Class 5 Unlimited – 1. AJ Martin 706; 2. Steven Hall 637; 3. Richard Garavito 595; 4. Steve Griffith 575; 5. Ben Swift 555.
Class 5-1600 1. Tom Bird 1,594; 2. Guy Savedra 684; 3. Larry Antuna 627; 4.Marc Deshane 580; 5. Mark Lundberg 497.
Heavy Metal – 1. Jonathon Libby 590; 2. Brian Bonham 340.
7S – 1. Ken Dixon 519; 2. Steven Marsee 397,
Unlimited Truck – 1. Steve Olliges 1735; 2. Chris Kemp 1,267; 3. George Pondella 979; 4. Bryce Menzies 710; 5. Tony Scott 698.
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| Southern California Jason Coleman will be in Primm Oct. 19-21 for the annual SNORE 250 off road race. |
CONTACT: Mike Henle, The Idea Co. Public Relations, 702-279-3483.
