Events slated to promote Henderson SCORE event

Wednesday, July 10, 2002 | 9:58 a.m.

The inaugural SCORE Henderson's Terrible 250 -- the first major off-road race held in the Las Vegas Valley since 1991 -- gets under way this afternoon with the first of three days of special events leading up to Saturday's race.

Three charity events today, including a bowling tournament, silent auction and slot tournament, will benefit the Henderson Allied Community Advocates organization. Racing-related activities begin Thursday evening at Terrible's hotel/casino with a live drawing for starting positions. The poolside event will include a concert and fireworks.

On Friday, the action shifts to Water Street in downtown Henderson, where events will include the SCORE Manufacturers Midway, safety inspection of all race vehicles, the Water Street Off-Road Expo and the $7,000 IGT Pit Crew Challenge.

A concert featuring Tommy Rocker will be held Friday night at Henderson's Police Park.

"SCORE is all about championship desert racing, which we've successfully presented for nearly 30 years, but having these ancillary events will help attract new fans," SCORE CEO and president Sal Fish said.

"What the Henderson Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Henderson have put together will have a major economic and exposure impact on the area as well as provide our racers, manufacturers, sponsors and the media something that is truly more than just another race."

Saturday's main event will be the $500,000 SCORE Henderson's Terrible 250, Round 4 of the six-round 2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series. Nearly 200 drivers and riders are expected to compete in 23 Pro classes and five Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs on the 50.22-mile course.

The start/finish line and spectator area will be located adjacent to the new Henderson Water Detention Plant at the end of Horizon Ridge Road (at Paradise Hills Drive).

Spectator seating near the start/finish line will be free of charge, but parking is limited. Race organizers recommend that spectators park at the Fiesta-Henderson hotel/casino and take the shuttle to the start/finish line. Cost of the shuttle is $5 per person and includes unlimited round-trip service between the hotel and the spectator area. The shuttle will run continuously from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The SCORE Checkered Flag Fiesta will be held following the race from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Fiesta-Henderson hotel/casino and will feature a concert by The Press -- a Blues Brothers tribute band. Admission is $5 per person in advance and $10 at the door and includes one beverage.