Board approves Best in the Desert Vegas‑to‑Reno route after organizers pledge road restoration and speed‑limited sections

Best in the Desert race director Brian Folkes briefed the board July 2 on the 2024 Vegas‑to‑Reno route, safety protocols and community coordination. Folkes said the organization uses GPS tracking on every vehicle, enforces speed‑limited sections and penalties for racers who exceed limits, and conducts post‑race grading to restore county roads.

Folkes said race staff met with Esmeralda County and planned coordination with Nye County road managers to ensure county roads are returned to the condition in which they were found. He identified two sensitive sections near Beatty—an old railroad grade and a wide flat valley area—where the race will impose speed limits and no‑passing rules to reduce off‑course widening. He said third‑party tracking reports are reviewed after the race for compliance, and penalties (including disqualification) can apply for violations.

A small number of public commenters raised concerns about blocked access during the event; organizers and commissioners said they would coordinate on access routes to private property and provide advance notice to affected residents. The board accepted the presentation and voted to approve the route, with staff coordination required for restoration and communication with landowners and county road crews.