Virginia City hosts World Championship Outhouse Race

Secretariat. War Admiral. Affirmed.

The Urinator. Skidmark. Flaming Butt-

hutt III.

Like horse racing, "the sport of kings," competitive outhouse racing, "the sport of thrones," celebrates its fabled past through the legendary names that live on and inspire others to further greatness.

The seat is down and the door is latched as potty pushers of every stripe get ready to haul their souped-up Sani-Huts to Virginia City to compete in the World Championship Outhouse Races, all hoping to go faster than a roll of toilet paper in a bad restaurant; all hoping to squeeze out that highly coveted first-place trophy.

The field of about 15 is expected to be very competitive, according to event organizer Karen Tassony. "Right now, it's really anybody's race," she said.

The two-day event, sponsored by the Virginia City and Gold Hill Chamber of Commerce, kicks off at 5 p.m. Oct. 8 with a "show and shine," giving the public an up-close and personal look at the competitors and their machines as well as a barbecue at Sugarloaf Mountain Motel. Also in the pipes - an all out outhouse drag race.

Oct. 9 begins with a potty parade at 9:30 a.m., followed by the main event, where teams will push, pull, carry or throw their wheeled water closets the length of the race course, approximately one block.

Regulation outhouse racing rules will be in effect: Each biffy will have a team of one driver riding the pot and two pushers.

The cost to register an outhouse for the race is $100 for the first and $50 for each outhouse after that.

Entry deadline is Wednesday with all proceeds to benefit the chamber of commerce.

OUTHOUSE RACING

Rules of the road: Entries are required to weigh a minimum of 200 pounds, be 6 feet high, and have a 9-square-foot floor area. Those scooters that don't meet the weight requirement will be sacked with 50-pound penalty bags. And of course, houses have to stay in their own lanes.

Entry deadline: Wednesday

Cost: $100

Show and Shine: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8

Racing: 9:30 a.m. Oct. 9

Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.