Friendly rivals to meet head-to-head on race track

A benefit stock car race Aug. 21 may prove once and for all who's better - cops or firefighters

"I'm sure what it will prove is that firefighters who race all over town do not have the skills to do so," said Sheriff Kenny Furlong. "It's a given that our emergency vehicle training and experience allows us the edge."

Five employees of the Carson City Sheriff's Department will face off with five Carson City firefighters at Champion Speedway. The race will benefit the Carson City Firefighters Association and the Sheriff's Department's Events Committee and National Night Out.

Sixty percent of the advance ticket sales will go to those groups. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the front counter of the Sheriff's Department, Red's Old 395, Nevada Fitness, Michael's Cycles and Casino Fandango. Tickets purchased at the racetrack gate, which opens at 7 p.m., will not benefit either organization.

Five representatives from local media will also compete in the 20-lap race in Hornet division cars donated for use by Champion Speedway drivers. The first-place finisher will receive 40 points, with two-point increments for the ascending positions. The team with the most points will receive a trophy to keep until next year's race. The first-place winner will also be awarded a trophy.

Capt. Bob Schreihans, fire association president, said he's confident firefighters will win the race.

"We are obviously going to win because all cops want to be firemen, and they'll be intimidated by our presence," he reasoned. "Besides, how much practice can you get parked at the doughnut shop?"

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.