SNORE’s KC HiLITES midnight race roars into Primm

The annual KC HiLITES Midnight Special, created some 40 years ago to fill a void in the Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts schedule, is filling another void today through Sunday in Primm, about 30 miles south of Las Vegas.

Following the recent exit of the SCORE Primm 300 -- which was the second-longest running off-road event in Southern Nevada -- SNORE moved its annual evening race to Primm where the event will be run over an 8.6-mile course.

Racing begins at 9 p.m. today and 7 p.m. Saturday before running into the early Sunday hours. The Midnight Special has been run in several areas over the years, including Searchlight, Nellis Dunes, Jean, Eldorado Valley and Ridgecrest, Calif., before this year landing in Primm.

"SNORE added the night race back in the early 1970s because there was a big hole in the schedule from the spring until the fall," explained long-time member Kenny Freeman Jr. "The only way to fill the void was to run at night, so the Midnight Special was born."

Former Mint 400 race director K.J. Howe called the Midnight Special the most fun race he ever competed in.

"It was what you might call both eerie-cool," said Howe, adding that running in the dark presents its own set of challenges. "Then, you also have the nearby attractions of the hotels and the associated infrastructure that Primm has to offer including a roller coaster, if the race doesn't provide enough thrills."

And speaking of beneficial aspects related to the event, executives in Primm south of Las Vegas were eager to land the race.

"We are always pleased to have the racers come to Primm because they bring a lot of enthusiasm with them," said Val Moon, director of sales for Primm Valley Resort. "Racing events bring something special to our properties that other guests enjoy. A racing event is a big deal and we love to watch the excitement build on the properties that all guests enjoy."

Spectators will be allowed entry free of charge with picnic-style seating situated east of Buffalo Bill's. Parking is available in the Buffalo Bill's Parking lot east of Interstate 15.

Further more information, visit www.snoreracing.net.