By: Adam Freeman
A first trip out west for local racer Zac Phillips and his teammate Chris Conklin of Sistersville, WV, turned into a victorious debut in the Desert Showdown quad race near Death Valley. The duo powered through 250 miles of challenging desert terrain, earning a first-place win in the Expert class and a second-place finish overall in just over four hours.
The race, which began just outside Pahrump and ended at the Nugget Casino parking lot in town, tested the endurance and skill of all competitors. With temperatures soaring and the desert offering everything from soft sand to rocky stretches, the race pushed both man and machine to their limits.
The race was divided into several pit stops, with teams rotating riders at various intervals to maintain peak performance. Zac took the first 40-mile stretch, powering through the desert to reach Pit 2. From there, Chris took over for the next 55 miles, keeping the momentum going as the team worked together seamlessly. The duo rotated through the next four pits, swapping riders as the miles clicked away.
After over four hours of nonstop racing, the pair crossed the finish line with a victory in the Expert class and second place overall, just behind the top-finishing pro team.
Despite the tough competition, the team’s victory was a testament to their preparation and determination. “I think we both had our doubts going into it, but we worked well together and executed the plan. I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out,” said Phillips.
The race in Pahrump marked a milestone for the team, as it was their first time competing in a desert race. “Coming from West Virginia, we don’t have the same terrain out there,” Zac explained. “It’s a different kind of challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting.”
The Desert Showdown race has become an annual event in Pahrump, drawing competitors from across the country, but this year’s race will be particularly special for Zac Phillips and Chris Conklin. Not only did they take home a win, but they also proved that with teamwork, strategy, and determination, any challenge can be overcome, even the unforgiving desert landscape of Nevada.
