Valley Off Road Racing Association (VORRA) today released a schedule and map of the new USA 500 off-road race for 2011. The event debuts in Sparks, Nevada at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel and Casino. The 529-mile race, which includes a 155-mile loop, starts and finishes in Fernley, NV and takes racers Northeast near Lovelock, NV over a mix of BLM and private land, including sections VORRA has used over its 36-year history.
“We’ve put together a course that includes pipeline & power-line roads, technical sections and good amounts of wide open terrain that allows racers to peg their top gear,” said VORRA Race Director Wes Harbor. “We’ve also tailored the course to require fewer chase crews to manage race support for a race of this length.”

The four-day event begins Thursday, July 14 with a display of off-road race cars on Victorian Plaza in downtown Sparks with crowds visiting the popular Evening in the Plaza and Farmers Market getting a sneak preview to the motorsport invasion. Later that same evening, the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame hosts a fundraiser showing of the desert racing documentary “On Any Sunday” at the National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno, NV.

On Friday, July 15, the all-ages event moves into “Fan Appreciation Daze” with race registration, technical inspection and contingency on Victorian Avenue. Racers will push their cars along the street, lined with exhibitors and vendor booths offering food, souvenirs and race merchandise. A freestyle motocross demo featuring members of Metal Mulisha and live music will fill the air with excitement for spectators and participants.

“We’re leveraging our experience with last year’s Xtreme Outlaws 250, doubling the length of the race, incorporating entertainment and more public participation this year,” said Harbor. “Our goal is to build the USA 500 into one of the ‘must-do’ races in the country.”

The USA 500 reaches full speed on Saturday, July 16, with the first cars leaving the line at 9 a.m. With up to 21 hours to complete the distance, teams will be prepared for day and night racing in the high desert of Nevada. However, during the day, back at Victorian Plaza, VORRA will also host rock crawler demos and Pro & Expert riders in the two-wheel classes will compete in an Enduro-Cross showdown to qualify for early starting positions in the following day’s line-up.

The event continues on Sunday July 17, with a first ever VORRA motorcycle stage. Riders will have a 200-mile desert chase with a 100% pro purse to round out the festivities at the first USA 500. The day closes with the post-race awards ceremony at the Nugget.

To learn more about the event, view the course map and register online, go to http://www.THEUSA500.com and follow VORRA on Twitter at @vorra_racing. Get USA 500 updates via Twitter using the hashtag #USA500.

About VORRA

Valley Off Road Racing Association (VORRA) was established in 1975 and has operated as a family-oriented organization for over three decades. It is currently led by Wes Harbor who believes that “off road racing has its roots in people’s garages” and continues to keep the entry fees to a minimum while maintaining a high quality racing experience. For more information, visit http://www.vorra.net or call 877-418-6772.


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