Longest Off-Road Race in US Goes Smooth

The Vegas to Reno Off-Road Race brought more than 5,000 people through 16 rural Nevada communities and over 500 miles of Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) desert last weekend. While race safety is a priority in permitting the event, the economic boost to these communities is vital, too. There were no major accidents and only a couple of minor medical incidents. The BLM will continue to permit off-highway-vehicle racing on public lands while working with promoters and participants to improve safety and reduce the impacts to public lands.

“The BLM was comfortable permitting this event,” said Leo Drumm, outdoor recreation planner. “The race promoter, Best in the Desert, has a good safety record and planned for all contingencies.” The race is held annually on established roads on public lands in Nevada. The race has continued running for over 20 years and has become a part of the state’s history.

Starting near Beatty, Nev., to avoid Mojave desert tortoise habitat, motorcycles, quads, buggies and unlimited trucks headed north and traveled through 16 rural Nevada towns along the way. Before issuing the Special Recreation Permit (SRP) for the Best in the Desert Racing Association, the BLM analyzed the Environmental Assessments (EA) used for permitting the event in previous years and determined the EAs provided adequate environmental analysis to permit the event for this year. Official sponsors of the event include, Ford, General Tire, Lucas Oil, VP Racing Fuels, KC HiLiTES, John Deere, Husqvarna, Fabtech, and many more. Further information available from: www.bitd.com

SoCal SAYS: It’s great to see the longest off-road race in the United States looking after the environment. Sometimes peope think people who drive don’t big trucks don’t care about the environment and that’s not usually the case. Just the same way all snowboarders aren’t reckless young kids. Most lifted truck owners don’t want to stop driving their truck to save a tortoise, but when they can, they will do what is best for the earth (see your previous column on Earth Day). This race is a great example of truck owners having fun racing, but also making sure not to disturb certain species of plants and animals. Keep up the great work BITD.