A recent announcement was released by VORRA, one that brings great sadness to us and our friends alike. We cannot convey how grateful we are to VORRA for establishing an affordable racing association (more than the others anyway, racing isn’t exactly affordable! 😉 ), keeping it family friendly, and offering an exciting venue. The promoters have always been kind, lenient, easy-going, and understand what racers want because they are racers themselves. The VORRAteers have been simply amazing, trekking out in the middle of the night to help those in need and keeping the races running smoothly. We are so grateful to have met all the wonderful people we have while racing with VORRA, and are very sad this will no longer happen. Thank you for all that you have done, VORRA and friends. A simple thank you doesn’t quite suffice. Here is the announcement:
“KNOW WHEN TO HOLD ‘EM…KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ‘EM…
VORRA has been such an important part of my life for over a decade now. I want to thank all the racers, supporters, and volunteers that contributed to the success we’ve had. This is especially the case since 2008 when I took lead of the association. I owe an unmeasureable amount of gratitude to everyone involved. However, I’ve decided to suspend the 2014 season indefinitely. You may be aware that several gentlemen have stepped forward to offer their help in managing race operations in 2014. Huge thanks also should be given them for their commitment. Nonetheless, the required workload and risk is no longer appropriate in my life. If a purchaser was to come forward with the desire to acquire VORRA fully I would entertain that option. I assume a majority of the VORRAteers would choose to continue their efforts under new ownership. Otherwise, with a heavy heart I plan to permanently cease future operations.”
Announcement at VORRA link
This was following the recent negotiations with BLM, who prior had worked with VORRA smoothly partly due to VORRA’s long-standing positive reputation and willingness to work with BLM as well. Unfortunately, that is becoming less of the case throughout many of our racing associations as of late, despite good-standing and positive history. I have to admire Wes for standing up for what is right – he always has. He has always been adamant about keeping racing fees down so even “the little guy” can be out there enjoying their sport, and unfortunately I suppose this time it just wasn’t in the cards.
“BUREAU OF LAND MANIPULATION…
The BLM has clearly taken aim at VORRA’s permits.
The most pressing threat effects what is likely our most highly revered venue in Yerington, NV. In 2013 a parcel of private land near the start finish area became the topic of a small course change. The BLM asserted that more time was required to fully review the modified route. They left us with no option for our last desert race of 2013 but to pay the land owner to cross their parcel (the absolute last time they were willing to grant such permission) rather than approving the minor bypass around that property. However, the BLM representative did indicate that there would be enough time to review the change before our 2014 event. Click map for exact location.
When I contacted the BLM in November 2013 (click for a copy) their response was basically that they categorically refused to even consider the matter (click for a copy). You may notice that the message also places considerable doubt on whether they even intend to renew our five year permit for 2015 and on. The agencies policy requires 180 day lead time for applications, but as you can read, the Carson District appears to be moving to increase that to a full year without any due process.
I consider it imperative to our sport that this agency is held accountable. Please take any opportunity you have to help our politicians understand the positive economic impacts that our sport offers.
Our organization has diligently struggled to maintain the permits that we have raced under for nearly forty years. The size of this club is such that the type of financial burdens that the BLM wants to transfer onto VORRA will either cripple our current budgets or cause our entry fees to skyrocket.”
Article at VORRA
What does this mean for Two Larrys Racing? Besides hoping for the best with VORRA and maybe an interested party will purchase it, I suppose we will race again with SNORE, and we had wanted to race Battle at Primm (2015) and Ridgecrest (2014 possibly), but on an already limited budget the entry and travel fees will be that much more difficult to attain. We have many TLR projects already underway and in various stages, plus the custom engines and daily driver motors. We do sell stock and performance parts, and eventually plan to have our online store set up. We’ll play it by ear. As usual. 😉
Thank you for all the great times VORRA. From 1992 with the single-seat Class 10 to 2010-2014 with the Green Booger. Thank you.
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