AdventureCORPS Presents the 2008 Furnace Creek 508 Photos by Jeff Bell: The 5th Anniversary 2008 Furnace Creek 508 was dedicated to Race Founder John Marino, the godfather of ultracycling who created Furnace Creek 508, Great American Bike Race, and Race Across America. Pictured: L: John Marino with Race Director (since 1990) Chris Kostman. More Race Dedication Info.| More on John Marino.