A sunny Thursday summer evening usually finds me birdwatching at a nearby marsh or park.
But not last Thursday when I found myself parking my car on Cross Street in Depot Town and joining hundreds of people gathered to look at classic cars.
“Do you know anything about the race?” I asked the woman behind me as I walked down the sidewalk in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
“I sure do,” she replied. “I’m the event coordinator. Let me tell you about it!”
Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
Rachel introduced herself to me and kindly told me about the race before she had to return to her work.
2017 Great Race Rally Race
Officially known as the 2017 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty, The Great Race is the premier time speed endurance rally for vintage cars, any car built before 1972.
The race has been held for more than 30 years (not sure I’ve missed hearing about it!).
You’ll find 1916 Hudsons and 1972 Mustangs in the race; everyone joining in to enjoy the fun of a rally race.
Each year the race travels a different route through the United States.
The 2017 Great Race rally race made a stop in Ypsilanti, Michigan as part of its 2,300-mile journey through seven states over nine days.
The race began in Jacksonville, Florida, and travels along a good part of the historic Dixie Highway before it ends in Traverse City, Michigan today, Sunday, July 2, 2017.
One hundred and twenty cars started the race, but a few have dropped out. Rachel didn’t tell me how many dropped out, but I learned from reading the Day 6 news update that 115 cars are still in the race.
They’re stopping at towns along the route that have car museums. People from local car groups as well as the public are invited to meet the teams and see the cars.
The winners of the Great Race will take home more than $150,000, split among several classes. The Grand Champion will earn $50,000.
I had a wonderful time checking out the vintage cars and chatting with the owners. It was a great to see the vehicles driving into Depot Town under the Great Race archway.
Can’t wait to find out who the winners are!
Here are a few more shots of the cars in the race.
