Dozens of Exotic Cars Run on Idaho Highway with No Speed Limit
Sun Valley Tour De Force gathers exotic car owners in small Idaho town for fantastic show and high-speed opportunity of a lifetime.
The town of Ketchum, Idaho, has a population of just under 3,000 people and is pretty quiet in the summer. However, once a year, it becomes a car lover’s heaven. The Sun Valley Tour De Force is a spectacular event put on by Intrepid Events Inc. Millions of dollars worth of exotic cars descend upon its streets for a spectacular car show and see the opportunity to max out their cars on a closed stretch of highway the very next day. This year’s show stoppers were the Bugatti Chiron, McLaren Senna, Porsche 918 Spyder, and TheStradman with his Lamborghini Aventador.
The fun began on Friday, July 26, at the Sun Valley Auto Club. Here, the cars were tech inspected for their high-speed runs and given a hand car wash to prepare them for the car show later that evening. Workers inspect the vehicles from top to bottom to ensure the safest execution of the high-speed event. In the event’s history, there has not been a single incident.
After inspection, the cars gather at the Ketchum YMCA. Here, the vehicles assemble and prepare to roll into the show in the center of downtown Ketchum together. Here is the best opportunity to view the cars up close. Gunther Werks’ 400r sat with spectators breezing right by, having no knowledge of the amazing engineering feat before them. While the McLaren Senna was the centerpiece at the YMCA, some fantastic cars sat idly by. Including two Singer 911s, and the iconic Porsche 918 Spyder.
Eventually, the cars began to vacate the YMCA premises and roll into downtown Ketchum for the most prominent public spectacle of the weekend. The Sun Valley Tour De Force car show draws hundreds of people and is an affair of music and food for all.
As an announcer highlights some of the cars present, the crowd is free to walk about the mind-blowing collection. Though some cars are behind a rope, preventing public access. Additionally, workers keep the crowd from tampering with the vehicles.
At the close of the show, the cars dissipate, and Ketchum returns to its quaint and quiet way.
Early Saturday morning, the drivers meet in the pit area. Media and VIP guests shuffle via shuttle to the pits and start line. The event does not have a spectator area; however, the area around the road is open to public access. So long as you stay 200 feet away from the road when it is closed, you are welcome to spectate. Due to road closures, however, you will likely encounter a substantial hike.
This year the event starts with a bang as a Bugatti Chiron records a speed of 253.1 miles per hour. Not only is this a new record for the event, but it is also the fastest any Chiron has gone. Understandably, this is not just an epic moment for this event, but a historic landmark for Bugatti and exotic cars overall.
Additionally, Edsel Ford II took two runs in his Heritage Ford GT. His first run clocked 201, which is nothing to snoot at. However, his second run clocked in at 206 miles per hour, reminding us all that the 2005 Ford GT stands as strong now as it ever has. Its seat in history is firmly planted right beside its predecessor and influence, the GT40.
Generally Speaking, The Sun Valley Tour De Force is an unmissable event for fans of exotic cars and high speed. You may have missed it this year, but the dates for next year’s event have already been slated for July 23-25, 2020. Mark it on your calendar and book your hotel early.
For more Sun Valley Tour De Force photos, check out this gallery:
Check out the cars in action via the event’s official video coverage.
Photos for Team Speed by Braden Carlson