Updated

More than 200 teams of off-road enthusiasts in 23 divisions are racing across 530 miles of Nevada desert terrain despite an accident that killed eight spectators less than one week earlier in California.

A federal official and organizers of Friday's TSCO Vegas-to-Reno race say they don't expect similar problems because there will be fewer spectators and they'll be kept far away from the track.

Best in the Desert Racing Association Director Casey Folks says spectators will be limited to watching from the race's start, its finish or one of 16 pit stops along the rocky, winding track.

The point-to-point nature of the race means folks in one place will see vehicles drive by just once.

Last weekend's crash has put a spotlight on desert racing.