Festivities get under way today for Laughlin Desert Challenge

Race weekend festivities for the 5th Laughlin Desert Challenge begin today at 5 p.m. with the popular $25,000 Laughlin Leap and Pit Crew showdown.

Round 1 of the 1999 Laughlin SCORE Desert Series starts with the Pit Crew battle at 5 p.m. at the Laughlin Special Events Stadium followed be the Laughlin Leap.

Participants will attempt to beat the existing records, both set last year. The fastest pit stop was clocked by David Callaway's team in a time of 1 minute, 2.38 seconds. The longest Laughlin Leap was recorded by Jeff Lewis, whose Chevrolet Trophy-Truck went airborne for a distance of 117 feet, 8 inches.

On Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., fans can meet their favorite racers and check out their high-tech racing machines throughout the day at the manufacturers' midway and technical inspection held in the start/finish line area.

General admission to tonight's activities will be $8 per person while Friday's manufaturer's midway is free.

Nearly 175 racers are scheduled to compete.

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