Ely hosts annual Silver State Classic Challenge

By Caitlynn Brinkerhoff

​The Annual Silver State Classic Challenge is an open-road race. This year, the distance was upped to 151 miles. Drivers from all across the world were invited to race their cars, whether it be a sports car or an SUV. Organizers stated, “From hypercars to pickups, and even a Prius, we’ve hosted them all. If your vehicle can average 95 mph or greater, and meet our safety requirements, you can race with us!”

The local events started on Sept. 17 and continued through the 20th. On Friday, participants took part in a parade of cars through Downtown Ely, showcasing their vehicles. Saturday, the car show took place, with judging from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Highway 318 was shut down at 5 a.m. on Sunday for the remaining events and was not reopened until 4 p.m.

The unofficial results are as follows:

95 MPH:

1. Gustav Piepenburg – BMW M340i
2. Wally Stevens with navigator Bob Dietrich – Porsche Macon
3. Peter Gerbracht with navigator Andy Miller – BMW Mini Cooper S

100 MPH:

1. Brandin McMichael with navigator Howard Turner – Ford Mustang
2. AliAnn Iten with navigator Bob Button – Chevy Corvette
3. George LeGrand with navigator Belynda Moore – Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

105 MPH:

1. Joseph McClune with navigator Brandon Lineau – Audi RS7
2. Kevin Bovee with navigator Tim Bovee – Honda Ridgeline P/U
3. JW Whitmarsh with navigator Kathy Whitmarsh – Ford Mustang GT Cen

110 MPH:

1. William Bradley – Chevy Corvette Z06
2. Richard Benne with navigator Susie Bellini – Chevrolet Corvette
3. Mike Mamer with navigator Wendy Mamer – Chevrolet Camaro

115 MPH:

1. Bill Bennett with navigator Elliot Shev – Chevy Corvette Z06
2. Tony Ortiz – DeTomaso Pantera
3. Neal Puff with navigator Tim Korsmo – Subaru Impreza WRX W

120 MPH:

1. Bret Christensen – Mercedes-Benz E-350
2. Angel Yumart with navigator Louis Mazzotti – Chevrolet Corvette
3. Dean Smith with navigator Owen Green – Chevy Corvette

125 MPH:

1. Jeff Odom with navigator Kelli Odom – Lotus Evora
2. Joe Petrelli – Ford Mustang GT
3. Darin Landes with navigator Daniel Kinzie – Dodge Challenger

130 MPH:

1. George Kalakis with navigator Emily Franson – Ford Focus RS Hatchback
2. Mark Lewis – Factory Five Daytona Coupe
3. Mike Bilek with navigator Brian Lorenze – Chevy Corvette Z06

135 MPH:

1. Tom Tomtan with navigator Ken Bates – Chevrolet Camaro
2. James Saffell with navigator Jadzia Williams – Chevy Camaro ZL1
3. Lisa Hancock – Dodge Challenger T/A

140 MPH:

1. Ben Reese – Chevy Corvette ZR1
2. Dane Mattoon with navigator Mike Mattoon – Chevrolet Camaro SS
3. Bart Freevol with navigator Jerry Cline – Chevy Corvette

145 MPH:

1. Andrew Kowalczyk with navigator Susan Kowalczyk – Pontiac TransAm
2. Ray Foster with navigator David Lamb – Chevy Corvette
3. Eric Pettersen with navigator Chris Shape – Ford Mustang

150 MPH:

1. Bob Glass – Chevrolet ZR1
2. Ken Rees – Chevrolet Corvette
3. Rick Grey with navigator Frankie Acevedo – Chevy Corvette Z06

155 MPH:

1. Patrick Wehner – Factory Five Type 65
2. Bjoern Flesland – Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 SE
3. Bob Tmur – Porsche 911 4S

160 MPH:

1. Mark Capener with navigator Lanny Lowman – Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
2. Rani Hobgood – Chevrolet Corvette

170 MPH:

1. Blaine Spendlove – Ford Mustang

Unlimited MPH:

1. Randy Rideout with navigator Andrew McCleery – Pontiac TransAm

The Silver State Classic Challenge Organization stated, “It was a fantastic event this year. We had a great turnout, and it was wonderful to see so many enthusiasts come together in Ely for the race and car show.”