Three Factory Five Coupes Conquer the Nevada Open Road Challenge
Each May and September, driving enthusiasts gather in the Nevada desert to compete in the Silver State Classic Challenge (SSCC). Drivers aim for precise target times in various high-speed classes racing on the Nevada Highway. Participants race on closed highways, with courses ranging from 90 to 122 miles. These are ‘time to distance’ events where winning is based on arriving at the finish as close to a perfect time as dictated by a chosen average speed.
Among the participants this May were three Factory Five Type 65 Coupes. Dave and Mike ran a carbureted Ford 302-powered Gen III Coupe (#17), Greg and John brought a 5.0L Coyote-powered Coupe (#223), and Mark and Ryan drove a 427 LS-powered Coupe (#309).
Dave/Mike and Greg/John entered the 140 mph class, while Mark/Ryan ran in the 110 mph group.
The course was 61 miles out and back for a total of 122 miles. The three teams used ‘basic timing,’ which means no computers or apps, just a speedometer, stopwatch, and tables.
Despite the analog tools, the results were impressive! Mark and Ryan placed 9th in the 110 mph class with a 110.0553 mph average, just -2.0187 seconds off perfect. Mark also claimed a win in the half-mile shootout the day before, clocking a top speed of 141.6 mph!
Greg and John took 1st place in the 140 mph class with a 139.9819 mph average and a mere 0.4079-second variance. Dave and Mike followed closely in 2nd with a 140.0352 mph average and 0.7934-second variance.
Dave’s compilation video here.
Greg’s compilation video here.
