One problem stems from people driving beyond their limits, but not the limits of their Xterra.
A stock Xterra is capable of Golden Spike with a bit of cheating at the crack. Still it's not something someone without several years of wheeling experience should be attempting.

People who can't drive Golden Spike without spotting themselves shouldn't be driving it. I saw far too many people who had no idea how to make it over dozens of obstacles without being shown.

I've done it in 7 hours, with a lot of photo stops, there's no reason it should take 13 hours like it has the last 2 years.