Ten miles west of Dunning on US Highway 2 sits the village of Halsey, Nebraska. Flowing past the village on its south side is the Middle Loup River. Twelve miles north of the village rests the even smaller community of Purdum, with the North Loup River running past it. Connecting the two is a 12-mile ribbon of very smooth blacktop with more curves than a 40-foot python. On August 9, 2012, this road will become part of the 12th annual Sandhills Open Road Challenge and will be known as the “Loup 2 Loup Open Road Race.”
SORC “Lifers” who have participated in at least two of the last three events and who enter the 2012 SORC, will be first in line for the 50 grid slots. Grid slots not filled by Lifers will be offered to drivers who were selected for the grid from the October registration and who have also participated in two of the last three SORCs. First-time SORC drivers are not eligible for entry.
Three classes will be offered with target speeds of 75, 85, and 95 mph. Tech speeds are 100 for the 75 class, and 120 mph for the 85, and 95 class. Eighty-five mph entrants must have successfully completed the 100-110 class with successful completion of the 115-120 for the 95. Entry fees are $225, $250, and $275. Cars in the 75 mph class must comply with the rules established for the SORC 80-95 mph class. Eighty-five mph entrants are governed by the 100-115 mph class. Cars in the 95 mph class fall under the rules set forth for the SORC 120 class.
Tech inspection and number application for the Loup 2 Loup entries only will be held on August 8 at the Smith farm west of Arnold. Lodging and meals are available in Halsey and nearby Thedford. Community support of the event is high and will be greatly enhanced by drivers patronizing local businesses.