Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Silver State Showdown


Sparks’ Wild West Motorsports Park opens with the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Rounds 11 & 12.

BY ADAM ROBERTSON
Photos by Matthew B. Bown

The track at the new Wild West Motorsports Park east of Reno/Sparks is reminiscent of a rock quarry with rocky hills and plateaus forming a V-shaped loop. Construction started on the venue, built locally courtesy of Norm Dianda's Q&D Construction, on June 6 and was completed August 20.

During my visit on opening day, Saturday, August 25, the desert sun beat down on the park—with little natural shade, the breeze and cloud cover provided welcome relief from the heat. Because of the dry conditions, dust is common, so water trucks occasionally drove through the vendor area to spray down the dirt.

In place of a ribbon, a red pace truck started each race. The truck led the vehicles around for one lap before exiting the track at the start of the straight-away. What came next was a high-speed, heart-pumping adrenaline rush as the vehicles took off for the drop of the starting flag. As they hit each hill, the vehicles launched as high as eight feet into the air. The announcer’s commentary was sometimes drowned out by the roar of the engines.

The smell of burning rubber filled the park when racers' tires began to smoke, sometimes having to pull off to the pit for maintenance. At one point, a driver bumped the rails and spun out—only their expert control prevented a collision.

A white flag indicates the final lap of each race, and the checkered flag drops when the first vehicle crosses the finish. The pace truck returns to lead a victory lap, and, as the drivers come around, the winning three vehicles drive off the track and right up to the podium. After each race, bulldozers and tractors clean and smooth the track, then the water truck sprays it down in preparation for the next race.

Following media interviews, the drivers were met on the podium by their trophies and three Rockstar Girls from Rockstar Energy, who posed with them during the ceremony. The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series included trucks, buggies, lites, and karts.

The new track promises to be a mainstay in the Reno/Sparks region. "We have a five-year agreement to host Pro Series Races and are working on setting up a Regional Off Road Series for sportsman-level racing on a regular basis," says Micah Anderson, Motorsports Marketing Associate for Lucas Oil Products. "We had massive crowds thanks to the support of local businesses and the community's [strong interest in] off-road motorsports and recreation."

More information can be found here, and highlights of the races can be found on Lucas Oil Off Road Racing’s YouTube channel. Click here for standings and race results. Rounds 11 & 12 will be broadcast on CBS Sports September 30 and October 7, 14, and 21 at 8 p.m. EST. For the complete broadcast schedule, click here.

Look for the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series ad on the back cover of the September/October 2012 edition of Nevada Magazine, now on newsstands.

Pro Buggy Main race winner Doug Fortin (middle) poses with runner-up Steven Greinke (left), third-place finisher Cameron Steele, and the Rockstar Girls on Saturday, August 25 at Wild West Motorsports Park.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Spirit of Wovoka Days Powwow

The 20th annual celebration honors Wovoka, the Ghost Dance Prophet, this weekend in Mason Valley's Yerington.

This event will be held at the Pat Peeples Softball Field within the Joe Parr Sports Complex. Dry camping is available, and security will be provided. Special events include Host Drum North Bear from Riverton, Wyoming, Kennie Keats Memorial Grass Dance Special, a Hand Drum Contest sponsored by the Ivan Hanson Family, Wovoka Princess and Lil' Miss Wovoka Princess Contests, Powwow raffle with great prizes, and more. A Head Man and Lady will be chosen each session and dance categories include Tiny Tots, Golden Age, Junior, Teens, Adults, Grass, Fancy, Traditional, and Jingle. 

For more information, call 775-463-2350 or 775-230-8383.

Yerington Inn: 775-463-5310
Copper Inn Motel: 775-463-2135
Victorian Rose Inn: 775-463-2164

No alcohol, No drugs ~ Strictly Enforced

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

PERSUASION at Harrah's Reno

A suggestive adult revue filled with hypnosis, comedy, alluring ladies, and special effects.
Harrah’s Reno welcomes Master Hypnotist Tyzen and his new adult revue to Sammy’s Showroom. Persuasion kicks off with several theatrical skits and breathtaking stunts performed by beautiful showgirls, who are often elevated on stage by hoops and climbing garments.

Tyzen appears at the conclusion of the last theatrical dance and keeps the audience engaged with his mysterious magical tricks and a comedy skit that includes a perfect impersonation of Doctor Evil from "Austin Powers." Tyzen proceeds to draw in audience members and hypnotizes them into doing various scenarios that are fresh and funny, keeping the rest of the audience hysterically laughing.

With tickets offered at $25 each for general admission, this is a must-see show while in Reno. Make it a night on the town with dinner-and-show packages available for $39.99 and $59.99 (the $39.99 package comes with a general-admission show ticket and up to a $24 dining credit.)

PERSUASION: with Master Hypnotist TYZEN
A Suggestive Adult Revue

Thru Oct. 7, 2012 (dark Aug. 30-Sept. 2)

Thurs.-Sun. at 9 p.m.
 (Aug. 17 show is at 10 p.m.)

Tickets:

General $25/VIP $30
Purchase here or call 800-745-3000