The Race is On at 18th Annual Sandhills Open Road Challenge

ARNOLD—The Sandhills Open Road Challenge (SORC) returns to Central Nebraska this week. The annual event began in 2000 and now enters its 18th year. The event has continued to grow in popularity with more than 125 cars racing in this year’s events. SORC is an annual 55-mile open road race similar to the European rally style of racing. It is arguably the most demanding event of its kind held in the USA. With more than 50 hazards and straits as long as three miles, the course offers a true challenge to drivers. The race is comprised of several separate speed classes based on driver’s experience and car safety equipment. The race will take place Saturday morning in Arnold, Neb. at 8:30. As the event has grown through the years, other events have been added. In 2002, the first “One Mile Shootout” took place. The event is now an integral part of the SORC activities. This year’s shootout took place Friday morning at 8 a.m. The current speed record for the one mile is 224.77 MPH set in 2009. In addition to the Sandhills Open Road Challenge, drivers had the opportunity to participate in the Loup 2 Loup (L2L) road race held on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. The L2L course is comprised of a north and south leg between Halsey and Purdum of approximately 21 miles. KBBN radio, recognized as the “official voice” of SORC, provided coverage of this week’s activities. On Saturday, KBBN will partner with News Channel Nebraska for a special radio and television broadcast of the Sandhills Open Road Challenge. Coverage will begin at 8 a.m. The radio broadcast can be heard on KBBN 95.3 FM and kbbn.com. For television coverage, News Channel Nebraska has partnered with several cable companies around the state of Nebraska. Check your local listings for availability in your area. The telecast will also be streamed live and can be accessed by visiting sandhillsexpress.com and clicking on the NCN Sports Now link. Here's how to watch: NCN North: Cable, Dish, antenna, and web (NCNsportsnow.com, go to Live Now). NCN South: Cable (Great Plains and Spectrum). Antenna for all area towns near Grand Island, Fairbury, and Beatrice (35-40 mile radius). And of course web (NCN sportsnow.com, go to Live Now). Once the race is complete, a complete replay of the action will be available to watch on NCNsportsnow.com in a few days. For more information regarding this year’s SORC activities, click on the link below which will direct you to the official website of the Sandhills Open Road Challenge. SORC Website [caption id="attachment_1606459" align="alignnone" width="300"] Chris Bischoff being transported to North Platte Great Plains Medical Center after his car left the road during the Loup 2 Loup race. [/caption]
Share: