Laura Butcher has aptly been given the nickname of, “The Swiss Army Knife.” This is because she approaches every project with many different skill sets and angles to solve problems.

Laura wears many hats in the off-road community, and here are just a few: Owner/CEO of VORRA (Valley Off-Road Racing Association), Program Manager for Tread Lightly!, Executive Director of Farmy’s Off-Road Park, and Board member for the Nevada Offroad Association… Just to name a few, though the list doesn’t end there!

Originally Laura started her career in Emergency Management, something that has served her surprisingly well (or maybe not so surprisingly) in the off-road world. After a few life pivots, Laura and her husband BJ found themselves at the ORMHOF gala in 2018, where they inherited VORRA from the one and only, Dave Cole. Having just competed in the Rebelle Rally days before, Laura was set to embark on this new journey turning her lifelong passion for off-road into a career.

In the six years since gaining ownership of VORRA, Laura and BJ have successfully hosted thirty-five desert and short course races throughout Nevada and California. Since then, Laura’s career has continued to grow and evolve, but one thing has remained consistent, Laura’s love of off-road. Laura has been invaluable in starting conversations to further the off-road cause by increasing communication among other race promoters, public land users, and stakeholders. She has led clean-up efforts to steer community goodwill toward the off-road community, successfully advocated for use for off-road events, and been a one-of-a-kind off-road ambassador to the sport.

In her 'off time', Laura convinces work partners and the community to engage in the sport and plants seeds for future off-road fun.

A few highlights from a very busy year:

• A successful 49th year of off-road racing for VORRA
• Tread Lightly! program manager for Statewide OHV signage in Nevada across BLM, US
  Forest Service, & State Parks
• Key partner in the Nevada OHV Youth Helmet Program, giving away more than 200
  helmets to kids off-roading
• Redesign and build of learner’s loop at Sand Mountain OHV Recreation Area
• BLM Special Recreation Permit partner, advisor for multiple off-road race series
• Speaker on behalf of motorized outdoor recreation at multiple BLM Summit events
• Ongoing meetings with various solar energy companies - advising on planning where
  OHV trails intersect with potential solar fields and directing donations to the appropriate
  communities and groups
• OHV Training courses for Federal, State, and County agencies
• Women in Off-Road live panel of speakers at SEMA, Off-Road Business Association
• Nevada OHV Program Grant recipient for Farmy’s Off-Road Park
• Consultant for race teams/professional athletes on marketing and sponsorship
• Forbes interview with Stone Cold Steve Austin for VORRA
• New York Times article with Stone Cold Steve Austin for VORRA
• Appearance on A&E TV show, “Stone Cold Takes America.”
• Podcast, “Conversations with Big Rich”
• Podcast, “Jeep Tok”
• Feature in 4Low Magazine
• Filming with Shelby Hall for Bronco Wild Fund on the Rubicon

Laura told ORMHOF, "For me, off-road means family, friendship, and lifelong bonds. So many of my core memories from childhood revolve around family trips or attending off-road races. It’s my goal to share that with everyone! That means creating a welcoming, safe, and sustainable environment for all.

I realize that everyone has their own flavor of off-road and what they enjoy, and for me, it’s off-road racing. There is nothing more exciting and sentimental all at the same time! I have been everything from competitor to pit crew, volunteer to promoter, and every one of those roles takes an act of God, I have so much respect for all involved."

"I currently find myself with a unique, holistic perspective because I’ve been on all sides, which has made it a top priority for me to advocate for our sport and ensure that it endures." -- Laura Butcher

When asked who she would like to thank, Laura enthusiastically replied, "My husband! All my family, friends and my VORRAteers. And a big thank you to Steve Austin and Broken Skull Beer for helping VORRA in so many ways!"