With the assistance of the White Pine Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Department of Transportation, a 90 mi (140 km) stretch of State Route 318 was closed for the day, and approximately fifty cars took part.
The classes specify safety equipment levels required for cars, drivers and navigators, and a maximum "Tech Speed", which may never be exceeded.
In September 2007, the record was raised once again to 212 mph (341 km/h) by Mike Reichen driving a highly modified 1994 Evo II.
[3][4][5] In recent years, much more stringent safety rules have been enforced, with a particularly strong emphasis on the speed and load capacity of the tires.
During 2003, a number of drivers questioned the effectiveness of the radio system used by course marshals to monitor cars and (if necessary) to call for medical assistance.
The founding president and chairman of the Silver State Classic Challenge was Steve Waldman, who was also a regular participant in a Dodge Viper and other vehicles.
Following the death of Mr Waldman in 2014,[2] operational control of the event has moved to an appointed board of directors, as well as a number of corporate officers with responsibilities ranging from finance to rookie liaison.
One of the event's participants is the Japanese car magazine Option founder Daijiro Inada,[6] a renowned figure in the import, and drifting scene.
Another high-profile participant, who has had more success, is former The Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider, who has competed on several occasions in the General Lee.
[16][17] "Big Red" is one of the early true pro-touring muscle cars, the first Silver State Classic Unlimited-class record holder.
The original car was destroyed in an accident in the La Carrera road race as the chassis proved unable to handle the high power output.