Dan Rohrbach, an auto body shop owner from Aberdeen, SD, embodies the spirit of a true car and driver. For years, he has traded the confines of everyday roads for the exhilarating freedom of open road racing, specifically the South Dakota Open Road Challenge (SORC). His journey into high-speed competition is fueled by a simple yet potent desire: to push cars to their limits in a legal and thrilling environment.
Rohrbach’s introduction to SORC was serendipitous. Conversations with fellow car enthusiasts Tommy Dale and Leroy at a Dave Graves memorial run sparked his interest, leading him to participate in the event for the past five years, and eagerly anticipating his sixth. Unlike many racers who might favor specialized sports cars, Rohrbach’s primary weapon of choice for several years has been a rather unexpected classic: a 1969 Chevrolet Caprice.
Dan Rohrbach 3rszd
His selection of the Caprice speaks volumes about his approach to racing. “It’s fun and different from most of the other cars,” Rohrbach explains. In a field often dominated by sleek, modern performance vehicles, the vintage Caprice stands out, showcasing Rohrbach’s preference for unique and enjoyable driving experiences over simply conforming to the norm. Beyond the Caprice, his garage has seen a rotation of vehicles tackling the SORC courses, including a ’95 GMC Sierra and even a 2014 Corvette, proving his versatility and willingness to challenge himself with different platforms.
The allure of open road racing for Rohrbach is clear: “Being able to run the cars hard on fun roads (legally) just couldn’t be passed up!” This sentiment captures the core appeal of the sport for many car and driver enthusiasts – the opportunity to experience the raw power and capability of their vehicles in a safe and controlled environment, pushing boundaries that are typically off-limits on public roads. His passion extends beyond SORC, dipping into “random days at the drag strip and open road course days,” further cementing his dedication to the high-octane lifestyle.
Family plays a significant role in Rohrbach’s racing endeavors. His children are enthusiastic supporters, eagerly awaiting their turn to navigate, while his wider family offers the typical cautious encouragement, reminding him “not to drive stupid…Ha.” This year, Rohrbach hopes to have his wife join him in the navigator’s seat, potentially turning his solo passion into a shared family adventure.
When asked about advice for newcomers, Rohrbach’s humility shines through. “I don’t think they need my advice, I’m still losing. Ha.” This lighthearted self-deprecation belies the experience and skill he’s undoubtedly gained over years of racing. Reflecting on his journey, his only regret is not starting sooner. “Should have entered the first year I heard about it. That’s all I really have, I’ve enjoyed everything about it and how it’s gone every year.”
A crucial element of open road racing is the navigator, and Rohrbach emphasizes their importance: “Pretty important to keep track of where you are while just being able to concentrate on the road.” The navigator’s role is paramount in managing speed, course directions, and timing, allowing the driver to focus solely on vehicle control and road conditions at high speeds.
Rohrbach recounts his scariest moment on the course, a vivid reminder of the inherent risks involved in pushing vehicles to their limits. “Came off the ground or at least really unloaded the suspension last year in an uphill curve on the L2L. Slowed down after that, plenty of time to make it up in the straights.” This experience underscores the need for both skill and caution, even for seasoned drivers. His advice for those unfamiliar with triple-digit speeds is simple and direct: “Eyes on the road!”
Looking ahead, Rohrbach hopes to see his children continue his racing legacy. “I could see both kids doing it, hopefully I can still wear a helmet beside them!” This desire to share his passion with the next generation speaks to the enduring appeal of car culture and the thrill of driving.
Beyond the competition itself, Rohrbach values the community aspect of SORC. His favorite part of the Arnold experience, aside from the racing, is “just hanging out at Grazers and bs’ing with the other racers.” This camaraderie and shared passion for cars and driving is a vital part of the open road racing experience, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for enthusiasts like Dan Rohrbach, a true embodiment of a dedicated car and driver.
