Where Speed Meets the Nevada Desert
Every September, Ely, Nevada trades its quiet high-desert rhythm for the roar of horsepower as the Silver State Classic Challenge takes over U.S. Highway 318. Starting September 18, 2025, this world-famous open-road race invites drivers to push their machines — and themselves — to the limit across miles of pristine two-lane pavement.
For one thrilling week, this historic mining town becomes the beating heart of speed culture, buzzing with the anticipation of engines ready to unleash on Nevada’s “fastest road.”
Ely Transformed: A Festival of Horsepower
During the Challenge, Ely isn’t just a starting line — it’s an automotive carnival. Downtown streets brim with polished classics, exotic supercars, and home-built racers, each gleaming under the desert sun. Cafés hum with talk of gearing ratios and tire temps, while banners and checkered flags give the town a celebratory edge.
Hotels fill with racers and fans swapping stories, and you can feel the shared pulse of excitement that comes only from people who love the open road.
Drivers from Around the Globe
What makes the Silver State Classic truly special is its international roster. Enthusiasts come from as far as Japan, Germany, and Australia to challenge Nevada’s legendary straightaways. Some aim for record-setting speeds, others chase a precise average time in their class — but all share the same wide-eyed thrill of driving flat-out through an untamed landscape.
Each competitor brings a unique story: weekend warriors testing their limits, seasoned pros chasing another trophy, and first-timers grinning ear to ear as they line up at the start.
More Than a Race: Community Events and Meet-Ups
Spectators aren’t left on the sidelines. The week kicks off with a parade of competitors, giving fans a close look at the hardware before race day. Meet-ups, tech inspections open to the public, and evening socials invite visitors to mingle with drivers, snap photos, and soak in the camaraderie.
Local shops and restaurants join the fun, offering specials and live music, while the surrounding Great Basin landscape sets a stunning backdrop for cruising between events.
