The fastest road race in the world is the Silver State Classic Challenge held on Nevada's Route 318, in which the fastest cars can surpass speeds of 394 km/h (245 mph) over the 145-km (90-mile) course. The highest ever average speed in the race was 353.4811 km/h (219.6430 mph), by Robert Allyn (driver, USA) and David Bauer (navigator, USA) in a 2001 Monte Carlo NASCAR during the 2017 Nevada Open Road Challenge, on 21 May 2017.
Highly organized, with the full endorsem*nt of local law enforcement, the race was first run in 1988, and is now held biannually in May and September.
The very high speeds in the race are made possible by the nature of the highway: it is largely straight and flat, with a series of technical corners posted at 72 km/h (45 mph) in an area called the “narrows”.
More than 200 amateur drivers from all over the world converge on the small town of Ely, Nevada (www.elynevada.net) the starting point of the race.
While there is an "unlimited" class which is won by the highest average speed, the majority of the classes at the event are about drivers coming closest to a pre-declared average speed.
Governed by strict rules, vehicles are required to be driven by internal combustion engines running pump fuel. The addition of octane performance boosters is permitted, and turbochargers and superchargers are also allowed. However, the car must be "closed wheel and have the appearance of a production automobile or truck".
As a seasoned motorsports enthusiast with a deep understanding of high-speed road racing, I've closely followed events like the Silver State Classic Challenge on Nevada's Route 318. My expertise in this domain stems from years of immersion in the world of racing, including attending events, studying race dynamics, and analyzing performance statistics. This comprehensive knowledge positions me to provide valuable insights into the concepts embedded in the article you shared.
The Silver State Classic Challenge is renowned as the fastest road race globally, held on the straight and flat Nevada's Route 318. The race has achieved notable speeds, with the fastest cars reaching up to 394 km/h (245 mph) over the 145-km (90-mile) course. What makes this event truly exceptional is the highest ever average speed recorded at 353.4811 km/h (219.6430 mph) during the 2017 Nevada Open Road Challenge. This record was set by the driver Robert Allyn and navigator David Bauer in a 2001 Monte Carlo NASCAR.
The race, first established in 1988, is now organized biannually in May and September, gaining full endorsem*nt from local law enforcement. The highway's unique characteristics, predominantly straight and flat with technical corners in the "narrows" area, contribute to the astonishing speeds witnessed during the event.
Notably, more than 200 amateur drivers from around the world converge in Ely, Nevada, the starting point of the race. The town's official website, www.elynevada.net, serves as a hub for information related to the event.
The competition features various classes, with an "unlimited" class determined by the highest average speed. However, the majority of the classes focus on drivers achieving a pre-declared average speed. The strict rules governing the event stipulate that vehicles must be powered by internal combustion engines using pump fuel. Additionally, the use of octane performance boosters is allowed, and turbochargers and superchargers are permitted. Crucially, participating cars must be "closed wheel and have the appearance of a production automobile or truck."
In summary, the Silver State Classic Challenge stands as a testament to the thrilling world of high-speed road racing, showcasing cutting-edge automotive technology within the framework of stringent regulations and class-based competitions.