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Super Fast!

The 6th Annual Sun Valley Tour de Force Returns in July

Article by Douglas Pilarski

Photography by @wyattncaldwell + Provided

Originally published in Boise Lifestyle

Supercar drivers will test their concentration and driving skills in no-speed-limit runs over a closed 3.4-mile course. They will push their Paganis, Porsches, Bugattis, Ferraris, McLarens, Mercedes, and BMWs to the limit. Spectators cheer for their favorite makers of these stunning mechanical marvels.

The Sun Valley Tour de Force will benefit The Hunger Coalition for the second year. McLaren Cars and Porsche Cars North America join local sponsors Peterson BMW, Simmons Fine Jewelry, Snake River Classics, Sun Valley Auto Club, Robertson Stephens, Motion Garage, Concannon & Charles P.C., Hagerty, Limelight, HUB, Sun Valley Ski Education, Barrens, Allata, American Harvest Vodka, and Singer Vehicle Design.

As a proud SVTdF sponsor and partner, Simmons Fine Jewelry, Idaho’s premier jeweler, will offer the Barrens Scout wristwatch at this year’s Sun Valley Tour de Force. The Scout is a special edition limited to a run of twenty-five pieces. - Blake Simmons

Drivers in the no-speed limit runs are the first in line for these Idaho born-Swiss powered timepieces created by Barrens. Drivers who seize the day, the hour, and the moment may commemorate their run to 200 MPH and have their speed engraved on the back of their timepieces.

The Barrens Scout is available at Simmons Fine Jewelry for Sun Valley Tour de Force. See the Scout at the Huckleberry Drive Aprés Party and Friday’s Car Show!

We are so fortunate to have found this gem of a supercar weekend that replicates all that McLaren stands for – fun, family, and community. It’s a chance to turn back the clock and enjoy a professional and memorable weekend all in aid of charity.”– Roger Ormisher, Vice President, Communications and PR – The Americas McLaren Automotive.

The speed limit is off for the event, and drivers can go as fast as they like. Think of the event’s 3.4-mile course on Phantom Hill as three segments. Drivers hunting for speed use the first segment to gain momentum, the second to close in on 200mph, and the rest of the course to slow down.

Barron’s calls the SVTdF one of the best driving events in the world. Last year, half the cars exceeded the 200 mph mark. Drivers go on a waitlist of two years for no-speed limit runs. In 2022, Sun Valley Tour de Force donated $600,000 to The Hunger Coalition. Eight events take place over three days.

The fastest speed on record is 253.01mph by professional driver Bruce Leitseger in a Bugatti Chiron.

The event is proud to have female drivers again this year, including Boise-based Angela James. Alex Hainer and her mom Julie Hainer have driven here for several years. In 2022, Alex achieved her highest SVTdF speed, 211 mph, in a 500+ horsepower 992 Porsche Turbo S. Drivers from all over come for the driving experience of a lifetime.

Spotters watch the track and alert drivers to cyclists, road hazards, and wildlife that may be on the Phantom Hill course. Drivers receive course condition updates from their spotters via in-car radio communication.

The three-day car event includes the Huckleberry Drive, SVTdF Car Show, Sun Valley Auto Club Tech Inspection, No Speed Limit runs at Phantom Hill, and Cars & Comedy dinner and auction. - Event Spokesperson

The Huckleberry Drive is a stress-free romp through the mountains. Drivers enjoy fresh air and mountain views at much lower speeds as they head to Smiley Creek.

The SVTdF Car Show boasts 150 invited supercars, classics, and collectibles for spectators. Participants of the SVTdF high-speed event and collectors are welcome to take part. This event allows spectators to check out sponsor cars, buy SVTdF merchandise, and enjoy local food and beverage specialties.

Sun Valley Tour de Force (SVTdF) raises money through sponsorships, live auctions, paddle-up donations, driver’s fees, raffle ticket sales, and merchandise items purchased throughout the weekend. Proceeds go to The Hunger Coalition, a 501(c)(3).

Sign up for the event newsletter for all future updates and news. Join us at the 6th Annual Sun Valley Tour de Force for a spectacular weekend and root for your favorite supercar to hit 200 mph. Mark your calendar for July 20-22, 2023.

See you there!

McLaren stands for fun, family, and community. The SVTdF SuperCar weekend provides a memorable event in aid of charity.”– Roger Ormisher, McLaren Cars