If you are anywhere near the Southwestern United States you know how hot it is, but for teams taking on the 2019 Best in the Desert Vegas to Reno race, the temperature isn’t the only thing that is warm. The first event of the week was time trials for the Trick Truck, 1500, and 6100 classes.

The temperatures were reaching well over 105 degrees Fahrenheit during the heat of the day, but even with a fire across the finish line Bryce Menzies came out on top. Bryce did say after the qualifying that the truck wasn’t hurt and will be ready to go come race day.

Due to the long distance of the racecourse, a 24-hour time limit has been established, so racers may still be coming across the finish line well into Saturday morning, August 17. The Awards Presentation will take place Saturday evening, August 17, at the Sparks Nugget in Reno, Nevada.

In addition to the field of top-notch drivers including multi-time V2R champ Jason Voss, Justin Matney, Justin Lofton, Troy Herbst, Tony Smiley, Steve Olliges, Kevin Thompson, Tracy Graf, and Anthony Terzo will have someone new joining for their second time. Former Formula 1 champ Jenson Button is coming back for his second event with us.

The former champ is a welcome addition to the off-road desert racing fraternity. After his first race it looks like he caught the off-road bug like most of us. Jensen is going to be driving the no. 6162 for Brenthel Industries.

General Tire Casey Folks “Vegas to Reno” presented by FOX important dates to remember:

Wednesday, August 14, 2017 – Time Trials for Trick Trucks, Class 1500 and Class 6100.

Thursday, August 15, 2017 – Registration, Technical Inspection, and Contingency, Host Hotel Texas Station.

Friday-Saturday August 16-17, 2017 – Race Day, finish line closes Saturday morning.

Saturday, August 17, 2017 – Awards Presentation, Sparks Nugget.

For the full schedule and for live tracking be sure to visit the Best in the Desert website.