Sandhills Open Road Challenge

[Mike Holleman]

I'm doing the SORC in August. Need any and all advice from you guys that have done this. At this point I don't even know where to stay. I'm told the closest rooms are now 45 min. away. I also want to run the MPH qualifier. I can't seem to find any info on entering and exactly what day it is. They list the same days as the SORC. But the events are 150 miles apart. Any help?
Mike Holleman

[Mike Holleman]

Come on guys. I know someone on this site has some helpful info. Didn't a group go last year to both MPH and the SORC?

I'm doing the SORC in August. Need any and all advice from you guys that have done this. At this point I don't even know where to stay. I'm told the closest rooms are now 45 min. away. I also want to run the MPH qualifier. I can't seem to find any info on entering and exactly what day it is. They list the same days as the SORC. But the events are 150 miles apart. Any help?
Mike Holleman

[parsonsj]

Hi Mike,

Yes, a bunch of us went to SORC last year, but optima batteries handled all the paperwork. We were told that individual signups are done in October for the next August, and that they usually filled the whole event in a day or so. You might get some insight by sending Bill Howell a PM.

[OptimaJim]

Hi Mike,

The SORC, hotel (motel) options in and around Arnold are very limited and most of the competitors seem to either stay in someone's home or they bring their own lodging with them. It is a really unique event, as the whole community really embraces it and opens up their homes to the competitors- literally. They do have a bulletin board, where folks might be able to assist you further on logistics surrounding the event.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, optima batteries, Inc.
www.twitter.com/optimabatteries

[Mike Holleman]

I entered on Oct 2nd and got a confirmation about a month later. Where did you guys stay last year?

Hi Mike,

Yes, a bunch of us went to SORC last year, but optima batteries handled all the paperwork. We were told that individual signups are done in October for the next August, and that they usually filled the whole event in a day or so. You might get some insight by sending Bill Howell a PM.

[Mike Holleman]

Thanks Jim, I figured since I will be out there I needed to also enter the MPH Qualifier. I spoke with a Lady out there and she explained the possibility of rooming with a local. She also indicated other towns nearby had motel rooms but with at least a 45 minute drive. Are there campgrounds near Arnold? Also, what exact date is the MPH deal? Looking at my Atlas, Hastings is approx. 150 miles east of Arnold.
Mike

Hi Mike,

We'll be posting updates on the MPH Qualifier, including links to registration at www.optimainvitational.com

As for the SORC, hotel (motel) options in and around Arnold are very limited and most of the competitors seem to either stay in someone's home or they bring their own lodging with them. It is a really unique event, as the whole community really embraces it and opens up their homes to the competitors- literally. They do have a bulletin board, where folks might be able to assist you further on logistics surrounding the event.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, optima batteries, Inc.
www.twitter.com/optimabatteries

[hotrodneb]

WOW......I'm from near Grand Island, Ne.....didnt know we had anything like this here.....just getting into the PT thing here as I just started my 68 Firebird project. Yup--Arnold has nothing....If I remember right....about a mile south of town there is kind of a little city park/lake there. the next best option is Broken Bow, Ne....several places there and about a 30 min drive.

2 hotels in BB,Ne Arrow hotel 308-872-6662 older hotel with interesting character America's best...think it used to be a Super 8 308-872-6428

BTW---when is the party anyway?? Is there free beer??

[parsonsj]

Where did you guys stay last year?

A scary place -- at night. It was a hunting lodge of some sort, with 19 heads of various ungulates mounted on the walls. During the daytime it was charming, and we even had a place to wash our cars.

[tazzz25906112]

Mike look into motor homes buddy..... this is a really neat event (I'm going back) and you'll have a Blast.....

[Mike Holleman]

The SORC is held Aug 9/12 in Arnold. Not too sure about partys and beer. But it is a race and usually that means a gearhead get together and beer is the lube of choice. Thanks for the hotel info.
Mike

WOW......I'm from near Grand Island, Ne.....didnt know we had anything like this here.....just getting into the PT thing here as I just started my 68 Firebird project. Yup--Arnold has nothing....If I remember right....about a mile south of town there is kind of a little city park/lake there. the next best option is Broken Bow, Ne....several places there and about a 30 min drive.

2 hotels in BB,Ne Arrow hotel 308-872-6662 older hotel with interesting character America's best...think it used to be a Super 8 308-872-6428

BTW---when is the party anyway?? Is there free beer??

[Mike Holleman]

Ungulates? Had to look that one up. (any animal with hooves) I guess you aren't going this year? Right now that sounds like a prime accomodation. You still coming to CMP next week.
Mike (

A scary place -- at night. It was a hunting lodge of some sort, with 19 heads of various ungulates mounted on the walls. During the daytime it was charming, and we even had a place to wash our cars.

[Mike Holleman]

Albert, I have been looking at Totters But that won't happen this year.I can camp in my Haulmark if I have a campground with facilities. You staying in a campground and if so got info on it?

Mike look into motor homes buddy..... this is a really neat event (I'm going back) and you'll have a Blast.....

[hotrodneb]

Maybe I'll have to ride the Harley up and say hi (1.5 hrs).....looks like spectators are free...and it will be some time before the Firebird can roll under it's own power. Is there anything PT-com only?

[parsonsj]

Ungulates? Had to look that one up. (any animal with hooves) I guess you aren't going this year? Right now that sounds like a prime accomodation. You still coming to CMP next week?

No, I won't be making the 30hr drive, lol. And no, CMP is out. I've got a project in the fab shop that is keeping me from car prep for the track. I missed out on Sebring earlier this month. :(

[Mike Holleman]

All work and no play.......
Gonna miss a good event at CMP.

No, I won't be making the 30hr drive, lol. And no, CMP is out. I've got a project in the fab shop that is keeping me from car prep for the track. I missed out on Sebring earlier this month. :(

[Mike Holleman]

Last year a group went out and ran in a seperate class. I'm not sure how many folks from Pro-touring.com will be there. My guess would be quite a few will be running MPH.

Maybe I'll have to ride the Harley up and say hi (1.5 hrs).....looks like spectators are free...and it will be some time before the Firebird can roll under it's own power. Is there anything PT-com only?

[tazzz25906112]

Mike I really don't know if they have camp ground per say as we stayed in Mark Turners Toter at one of the organizers Farms just outside of the town....... The whole town opens up like crazy and if you send a message through to organizers they will get you dialed in for sure..... These people are truly amazing and will help every way they can....

[Mike Holleman]

Albert, I did alittle research and the closest campground is in Broken Bow and is just as far as the motels from Arnold. I'll keep digging for the best solution. Mike

Mike I really don't know if they have camp ground per say as we stayed in Mark Turners Toter at one of the organizers Farms just outside of the town....... The whole town opens up like crazy and if you send a message through to organizers they will get you dialed in for sure..... These people are truly amazing and will help every way they can....

[Mr. Nice]

For anyone wanting to know a little more about the SORC they can tune in to Monday's 9:00 PM CDST episode of Hot Rod TV on Speed Channel. The program is all about the 2011 SORC and will highlight many of the people that were guests of optima.

Mr. Nice

[OptimaJim]

Joe, if you tune in at 9PM Central, you may miss the show. My AT&T UVerse guide and SPEED's website both indicate the show will air at 8PM Central.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, optima batteries, Inc.
www.pinterest.com/optimabatteries