Open-road racing
Open-road racing is a form of regularity rally carried out at high speeds on closed public highways, most commonly in sparsely populated parts of the Southwestern United States. Competitors attempt to set specified average speeds which can range from or higher along courses ranging between in length. At the lower speeds, unmodified production cars can be used, while straightforward safety modifications can permit powerful sports cars to reach speeds of.
[Image:2006_Nevada_Open_Road_Challenge_start.JPG|thumb|right|225px|Start of the 2006 Silver State Classic Challenge]
History
Open Road Racing marks a return to the earliest forms of motorsport, in which a public highway is closed down for amateur racers' use. Among the first motor races was the 1906 French Grand Prix, which was run on public roads near Le Mans. Similar types of races on public roads continued until the 1950s, when a series of accidents in races like the Mille Miglia led to the abandonment of this type of racing.A modified form of open road racing resumed in the 1980s, with the inception of the Silver State Classic Challenge in Nevada. Since then, a number of other events have been organized, including three events organized by MKM Promotions in Northern Nevada, at Wendover, Elko and Battle Mountain. Two races are run in West Texas each year: the Big Bend [Open Road Race] on U.S. Route 285 in April and the Road Runner event in October. Since 2001, the Sandhills Open Road Race in Arnold, Nebraska has been run every August.
Example rules and entry requirements
All these organizations have similar rules and regulations. Drivers and optional navigators compete to set a specified average speed over the measured course, which is typically 50–90 miles in length. The start and finish time for each car is recorded against a GPS clock, and the average speed is calculated from the elapsed time. In each speed class, the winners are driver and navigator to achieve the speed closest to their target speed. Speed classes are chosen by the driver, with constraints according to their racing experience, the performance potential of their car, and the safety requirements set by the organizers.As an example, in the Silver State Classic Challenge there are currently four main classes, in which cars can achieve target speeds between 95 and 180 mph. The classes specify safety equipment levels required for cars, drivers and navigators, and a maximum "Tech Speed", which may never be exceeded. Radar traps are hidden along the course to enforce this rule. There is also an Unlimited Class, in which drivers compete to set the fastest possible time over the course.