STORR Races are Open Course Events
There is not a race that goes by that someone doesn’t openly express their concern about the open courses that STORR chooses to race on. And, this is understandable.
Besides Baja and races held on the mainland in Mexico which are open courses, this may be one of the only other courses which is considered open.
So, Why Does STORR Want to Race There?
There are multiple reasons and here are a few:
- It is there and available
- Besides the 30 acres that STORR owns where the parking area is located, it costs nothing
- It has so many roads and previously burned in paths, one could create a different course every race for the next 50 years and never use the exact same one twice
- The area is classic desert racing terrain
- It is in close proximity to the interstate
- It is in close proximity to one of the largest and safest cities in Texas, which is El Paso
- History, in that organized or semi-organized off-road races have been held out there literally for decades
Speaking of History
These many sections of land bordering El Paso and Horizon City on the west and the mountains to the east, were all part of a massive, fraudulent land deal, many decades ago. For the vast majority of surface acres out there, either no one owns them, or know one knows who owns them.
Through the State Legislature, attempts have been made for the county to be granted ownership of this land to unlock El Paso and Horizon City and allow them to expand.
Due to Texas being big on private ownership nothing has ever been passed. Even though, ownership for the majority of it is unknown.
Thus, the County Officials look at it as if it is public land.
So, Why Can’t it Be Closed Off?
Virtually, there are hundreds of intersecting roads and two tracks out there. It is not feasible to close off or man each and every cross road. It simply can’t be done.
STORR does try to mitigate the issue at several of the heavier traveled roads by either marking them with signs indicating that a race is in progress or manning them with flagmen. There are just too many to do so for each and everyone of them.
There are also several pipeline right-of-ways (ROWs)that are fun to race on, but again, the ROWs are bought and paid for by the pipeline companies. Therefore, sometimes STORR has to work around maintenance, construction or repairs along those ROWs.
What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Issue?
- Increase manpower and money
- Make more signs and barriers and have the manpower to put them in place just before each event and collect them immediately afterwards
- Increase awareness across the board
Conclusion
STORR realizes that due to the circumstances, open course racing is not for everyone and respects those who feel this way.
However, STORR has never cancelled, postponed or rescheduled a race to date and there are no plans to do so now.
STORR WILL forever strive to be forward looking and find ways to reduce the possibility of accidents, whether on the course or in the pits. We know we have made improvements over the last few years but one can never be too safe.
If you race with STORR, please take in to account the relatively low entry fees. If inclined, volunteer if you can, even if for just one heat. Donate a few dollars if you are able and designate those dollars to go towards whatever you would like.
A couple of things in the works:
- A comprehensive radio (communication) system with a full time central race operations person monitoring checkpoints around the course to better track where all the racers are at any given time. Especially those that may be having issues or have broken down or when a local may wonder onto the track.
- Pay outs to a handful of dedicated checkpoint operators to stay in place for the entire event
- Other incentives to attract and keep volunteers
Stay Safe out There!
Passing Etiquette/Rules for STORR Races
Passing Etiquette/Rules
All race vehicles must have side mirrors on each side of the vehicle. If the visibility to the rear of the cockpit is not obstructed a standard rearview mirror may be used.
All mirrors need to be monitored constantly. If a faster vehicle catches up to you, slow down and pull to the side and let them pass. Putting your hand up while you wait for a second lane to open up does not cut it. Unless you are in a single lane canyon wash or in ruts three feet deep, you must get over and allow the faster vehicle to pass.
It is important to re-enter the race course with extreme caution as there may be another fast-moving vehicle immediately behind the one that just passed you.
If it is documented with video evidence that you held up a faster moving vehicle more than 20 seconds you will receive a five-minute time penalty.
Faster vehicles that are passing slower vehicles must use their horn/siren and give the slower moving vehicle the opportunity to get over.
Running up on a slower moving car and nerfing them without using your horn/siren giving them no opportunity to get over will result in a five-minute time penalty.More than one of these incidents will result in a disqualification.
Any nerfing incident that results in vehicle damage (whether yours or a vehicle you nerfed) needs to be reported to the race director within 15 minutes of the end of the race. Failure to do so can lead to disqualification.
Spectator Rules at STORR Events
The area just outside of El Paso between Horizon and Montana is a unique piece of real estate in the State of Texas. And, there are a few who really do not fully appreciate its uniqueness.
That becomes obvious when we see the trash that is left behind after Holiday weekends, etc.
It is incumbent on us who tremendously appreciate the area to help spread the word and recommend if not insist to others that it be taken care of in an adult, responsible manner.
Most of us do not fully recognize what we have until it is gone or has been taken away from us.
We are asking that you help us at STORR to, at the very least act as if this property was yours while attending our events. And, follow all of the guidelines set forth below.
Spectator Safety Guidelines
OFF-ROAD RACING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY. Spectating at the event has a degree of danger and there is a possibility of an accident causing injury, possibly death, property damage, or other losses. Expect the unexpected at all times! YOU MUST BEAR THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND THAT OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
NEVER DRIVE ON THE RACECOURSE IN EITHER DIRECTION AT ANY TIME!
All spectators must do their part to protect and preserve the ecological environment. All items you bring to the event with you must go home with you. Pick up and carry out your trash! A good race fan looks after nature and does not litter the countryside.
Obey all instructions of STORR officials and staff and local law enforcement at all times.
Their primary concern is providing a safe motorsport event for all.
Officials and law enforcement have the right to work without being abused or threatened. Abusive, threatening or violent behavior towards officials or race participants will not be tolerated and spectators may be detained.
When driving to and from spectating locations, be alert for race vehicles, team support vehicles and emergency vehicles. Allow plenty of time to reach your selected viewing point and expect delays. Do not speed on the dirt access roads.
Park at least 100 feet (30 meters) from the racecourse so you have time to react to an out of control car or other, dangerous situation.
DO NOT stand or sit in areas with no means of escape. Stay behind protective areas such as your vehicle, a rock outcropping, or up on a hill wherever possible. Under no circumstances should you position yourself on the outside of a turn, or any other potentially dangerous spot.
DO NOT walk beside, on, or across the racecourse. Stay at least 100 feet (30 meters) from the course at all times. If it becomes absolutely necessary to cross the course, look and listen for approaching race vehicles and never turn your back to the racecourse. Be very aware of race vehicle speeds. Race vehicles can quickly and easily reach speeds of over 100 mph (160 kph) and will approach much faster than you realize!
If trying to assist a race vehicle, you must use extreme caution at all times. Be extremely alert for other approaching race vehicles while helping a race vehicle on or near the racecourse. If there is a medical situation and the team is not able to call for help, stop the next race vehicle and have them call for help. Do not put yourself in a dangerous position at any time!
DO NOT abuse alcohol or illegal substances at any time at this event. Have a designated driver.
NO ATV’s, motorcycles, bicycles, or UTV’s are allowed to be ridden within 100 feet (30 meters) feet of the racecourse. If violators are part of a race team, the team will be penalized up to being disqualified.
Children under the age of 18 and infants should ALWAYS be accompanied by adults who are responsible for their behavior. At no time should adults allow children to play within 100 feet (30 meters) feet of the racecourse.
Again, If violators are part of a race team, the team will be penalized up to being disqualified.
You should leave your pets at home. (If you bring your animals they need be on a leash at all times for their safety.)
In case of an accident or medical emergency call 911.
Be wise, enthusiastic, and civic-minded at all times. We hope these recommendations will help you enjoy this spectacular event while cooperating to ensure the safety of all spectators and race participants.
STORR Adopts BITD Rules
STORR will be guided by the rules set forth by America’s Largest Off-Road Racing Association, Best in the Desert.