They began leaving the desert early - dragged by tow straps, hauled on trailers. Casey and the BITD put out 77 of the roughest and toughest miles seen in many years. The difference this year wasn't any major change in route or use of the mountains surrounding the dry lake bed area in Jean, just outside Las Vegas. But with so many areas being closed off while interest in desert racing is actually increasing, any available open areas are being ridden so much more, course condition is suffering. It's getting torn to hell. Add to that a year without the couple good summer gully-washing rain storms, and you have a shock manufacturers testing dream - or nightmare.

We are always glad to report that the only major casulties this day were mechanical - no serious race injuries to report. There was a broken arm and a split lip, but we are glad that all the riders and drivers walked away with stories to tell, able to race again.

BITD officials are busily calculting time on course, figuring points in secret. We'll be headed over to get the full race and year end championship results shortly - but here's a taste of the fun that you missed if you weren't here!

Side by side starting kicks the Las Vegas 200 off in a big way - 174 car, trucks, buggies, bikes and ATV racing away from the rising sun, and into what could be a long day.

Stay Tuned! Let's see who has wiped that dust off this morning, and walks away with a check.