The Racers Race: First Race Of The Season- Lessons from the SNORE 250

By Vanessa McCracken

There is a reason the Butch Dean Memorial SNORE 250 is known as The Racers Race.

Sanctioned by Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts, this historic event is one of the toughest and most respected races in desert competition. It does not simply reward speed. It demands resilience, preparation, and heart.

This year, it tested us early.

Going into the race, it was John Bohls and Mauro “Chato” Diaz  holding it down for car 1659. Quiet focus. Determination,  preparation and commitment to the job ahead.

Then came a moment that reminded us what team truly means.

JR showed up and surprised them both on race day. The reaction said everything. It was one of those moments that lifts energy instantly and reminds you that you are not out there alone. That support matters. That presence matters. And sometimes that boost is exactly what fuels a strong start.

At exactly 8:17 AM, car 1659 launched off the starting line. John came out strong and aggressive, flying through the opening stretch with confidence. The car felt solid. The momentum was there. We were ready.

Then the desert made its presence known.

At mile marker 12, the unforgiving terrain claimed a flat tire. Sharp rock and rough conditions struck without warning. But this team does not panic. The crew jumped into action immediately. The tire was changed efficiently and John was back on course.

And he did not ease back into the race. He pushed. John Bohls worked his way out of last place despite the unexpected setback. That moment showed exactly what this team is built on.

At mile 16 ½ another challenge hit. He began catching another competitor Brooke Perfect car 1644 and as he passed her a hidden boulder delivered a hard impact. The team assessed everything possible, tried adjustments, and worked every option available, but the damage would not allow the car to continue. Even though our engine was down, hitting that boulder’s was a blessing in disguise as if we would have continued we could have possibly blown the entire engine.

The Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts recovery team safely pulled us back.

Officially, we finished in 12th place.

After a flat tire. After a heavy impact. After back to back adversity in the first 16 miles.

We did not finish last.

More importantly, we fought like hell. We represented.  We showed up with heart and grit, and that’s what matters.

Every race teaches something. Some races bring trophies. Others bring perspective and sometimes it hands you lessons that sharpen you for what comes next.. The SNORE 250 reminded us that racing is about endurance and teamwork as much as it is about speed.

“Strong start to the season until the boulders got us, the desert won this one” – John Bohls

Now our focus turns forward.

Our next race is the legendary Mint 400 in Las Vegas starting March 04, 2026 The team is already working hard on the car, dialing everything in and preparing for redemption. Chicken Ranch Racing will be ready and back more eager than ever.

We are excited to announce that Ken Green will be in the co-driver seat right next to John Bohls during the Las Vegas Strip parade, proudly representing the Chicken Ranch Racing team. We will also have our new vendor booth, but our excitement doesn’t stop there. The Chicken Ranch ladies will be signing autographs, taking photos and showing their full support for car 1659. 

Come experience the energy, meet the team and be a part of the action as we proudly represent Chicken Ranch Racing on Freemont St.

This is not the end of our story. It is fuel for the next chapter.

The tradition continues. And so do we.

Keep it fast. Keep it loud. Keep it dirty.