Last month’s General Tire “Vegas to Reno” the Long Way presented by FOX saw a record entry of over 342 competitors taking on the famed long distance endurance race. Now racers will have to shift their driving styles and strategies as they switch from the longest off-road race on the Best In The Desert 2016 schedule, to the all-out sprint race of the BlueWater Desert Challenge presented by Polaris RZR, October 6-9.

The BlueWater Desert Challenge presented by Polaris RZR features two full days of non-stop racing on a challenging approximately 26-mile long multi-loop course that treats the racers to notable landmarks like John Wayne’s Gorge,Marilyn’s Fun Time, The Matterhorn, The Sand Pile, The Rock Pile, The Haunted House, Course Cutter Wash, Blow Sand Blues, The Bunny Jump, Thunder Alley, Sleepy Hallow, Parker River Run and The Snake Pit. Casey Folks, director of Best in the Desert, said, “This course not only features the famous “Parker Python”, but also an extremely wide variety of tough and extremely sandy terrain that’s sure to challenge the skills of every racer.” Many competitors refer to this race as a short course on steroids.

This year, for the first time ever, Best In The Desert’s Motorcycle and Quad Classes have been added to this incredibly competitive and exciting event.

MORE: McMillin Earns Vegas to Reno Victory in Tight Battle

Held along the picturesque Colorado River, the BlueWater Desert Challenge has become a favorite event for both racers and fans welcoming in the fall season. The BlueWater Desert Challenge presented by Polaris RZRfeatures Car, Truck, UTV, Motorcycle and Quad classes running both Saturday and Sunday for combined results to determine the winners. The unique two-day format still allows competitors to log in a challenging 146-miles of desert racing over the course of the two days. It also offers the racers to make adjustments and fine tune their vehicles for the second day of all out sprint style racing.

The BlueWater Desert Challenge presented by Polaris RZR in Parker, AZ, October 6-9, is hosted by the BlueWater Resort & Casino. It marks the fifth event in the six-race 2016 Best In The Desert “American Off-Road Racing Series”. The start/finish line is located just about one mile from the host hotel.This is a great time to come to Parker; off-road race by day and play at the beautiful BlueWater Resort & Casino by night.

Unlike other Best In The Desert races where the Trick Trucks and Class 1500 cars compete head-to-head for the coveted first starting position and $1000 “Team Ford” Pole award, the BlueWater Desert Challenge presented by Polaris RZR features a different qualifying format. There will be two individual qualifying sessions held Thursday before the race for Class 1500 and the Trick Trucks as they race in separate heats. So for this race only, the sponsor of the Pole Award – Team Ford-Lincoln owner Steve Olliges will pay out the $1,000 Pole Award to the driver with the quickest overall qualifying time between the two classes.

2016 Best In The Desert BlueWater Desert Challenge Schedule:
Thursday, October 6th
Time Trials

Friday, October 7th
Driver Registration, Contingency and Tech Inspection, BlueWater Resort Hotel & Casino

Saturday, October 8th
Race-Day One

Sunday, October 9th
Race-Day Two and Awards Presentation