HISTORY OF THE GREAT RACE
Understand that while this is a rally, it is nonetheless a true race. The competition is fierce and the drive itself is no easy matter. I had no idea how difficult it was until I jumped into the navigator's seat of Kugel's roadster. It requires a great deal of attention to detail and the teamwork of both the driver and passenger.
The history of the Great Race spans 24 years and has seen only a few changes in the rules since its inception. The outset saw only cars made before 1941 and it was quite difficult to crisscross the country in cars that old. As a result, the rules were eventually flexed to include four-wheel hydraulic brakes for safety's sake and alternators to improve life expectancy of the electrical system. I'm told that next year's changes include allowing the use of radial tires.
A practice that is encouraged during the many stops along the way is the handing out of postcard-size photos with each competitor's car and history on it. The throng of spectators seems to really appreciate the gesture and many use the opportunity to get autographs, ask questions, and get their picture taken with the cars and participants. This is really mid-America at its finest. While the old cars get lots of attention, the newer stuff is getting more and more attention-cars to which younger spectators can relate. This has enticed the Great Race management to up the age limit to cars built in 1969. However, the number of rules and eligibility changes will affect the total number of entries. They will retain the upper limit to around 100 or so. Choosing to have more entries than spots available will allow them to pick and choose.
THE WINNERS
Coming in First Place overall was the team of David Reeder and his grandson, Sawyer Stone. They completed the entire 4,000 miles with an accumulated time of 1 minute, 37 seconds in a 1916 Hudson four-passenger speedster. Dubbed the Stone Age Racing Team, they garnered the trophy and $100,000, and when 13-year-old Sawyer was asked what he was going to do with the money, he replied: "I'm going around the world!" (A reference to the 2008 Great Race World, 3,5000km, New York to Paris, that will celebrate the centennial of the original Great Race of 1908 New York to Paris). Should be something, I hope to be along for the ride.
Steve and Janet Hedke's A-Bone roadster finished 7th overall and won some money. | 
With telephone poles looking like picket fences, Kugel and Don Prieto cover some ground in Kansas. | 
Corky Coker pedals his straight-eight Buick IndyCar down the road to 25th place, but he will return again next year. |