Every April since 1998, Fort Stockton has played host to the adrenaline-charged event known as the Big Bend Open Road Race, a rally-style competition regarded as the most challenging open-road race in the United States. Here’s why: Of the eight or so open-road courses in America, none has so many turns and elevation changes as US 285 between Fort Stockton and Sanderson. That makes for exciting driving, whether you’re going the speed limit or not. More than 100 racers are expected to show up to test their mettle—and put the pedal to the metal—on this scenic stretch of highway April 25-28. Best of all, you can participate in almost any vehicle—whether you drive a flashy Lamborghini, a PT Cruiser, or a 50-year-old Studebaker. The car show is followed by a parade of race participants, and the public can join an end-of-the-race after party.
