The 3rd & 4th slots went to Dan Beaver of Parker AZ, and newcomer Dave Vanyo respectively. While Beaver, a long time desert racer is not in contention for the 97 championship, Vanyo could break into the top 3 depending on White's Baja 1000 performance in November. When you consider that Vanyo's firs race was the 96 Parker 400, and that he began his career racing the highly competitive Class 8 trucks, his performance thusfar has been impressive indeed.

Tracy Rubio and Jim Patelli were the remaining 2 drivers to complete all 10 laps , with Rubio taking 5th and Patelli finishing in 6th position. Patelli, who had been caught in a San Feliepe booby trap, has reasembled the big Blazer after several thousand dollars of repair work, making it stronger and more competitive in the process.

Dale White entered Laughlin with the points lead, but a 7th place finish all but guarentees he didn't leave with it intact. White had his share of difficulties over the weekend, and a missing engine on day 2 only added to his problems. With Baja just around the corner, White could regain the lead,and earn the Championship with a repeat of his winning 96 performance.

The 8th place finish by Dave Westhem assures his loss of position in the championship running. Westhem looked strong early on, but mechanical difficulties resulted in only 5 of 10 laps being completed.

Jeff Stowers and Ed Lazzari in a beautiful new Chevy completed only 1 lap each, resulting in a 9th and 10th place showing respectively.

Once again, the SCORE Championship will be determined at the Baja 1000, and once again, it looks like it will come down to White Lightning Racing and The Rough Riders. Last year, Dan Smith (Ashley's teammate) lost the battle (the 1000) but finished high enough in position to win the war (the Championship). This year it looks like the winner will take it all!