Owensboro has been selected as the starting location for one of the world’s premiere old car “races.”
The Great Race is a large-scale event that features vintage cars that “race” from one starting point in America and travel through multiple cities and states.
Kentucky To Maine
This year’s route is a 2,300-mile trek that begins in Owensboro and ends in Gardiner, Maine.
In total, the Great Race will travel through 11 states and 19 different cities, including Lancaster (Ohio), Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), Montgomery (New York) and many more.
This year’s Great Race is also the biggest lineup in history with 135 cars participating. 35 states are represented, including international teams from Australia, Japan, Canada and England.
Owensboro’s very own local team competing this year is comprised of Brian Smith and Scott Howard.
The Kickoff Event
So, let’s break down what’s happening for the kickoff event.
On Thursday, June 20 Owensboro is hosting a free outdoor event in downtown.
There will be live music at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum from 6-8 pm, as well as several food trucks and outdoor bars available onsite.
On Friday, June 21 racers get to enjoy ‘Friday After 5’ with the public, and these racers will also have their invite-only banquet at the Owensboro Convention Center.
The 135 cars included in the Great Race will line up along Veterans Boulevard at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 22.
Celebrate the event with free entertainment via the outdoor stage at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and food trucks.
The public is invited to see the cars ahead of time, with cars leaving to begin the race to Maine at 11 a.m.
The event will conclude around 1 p.m.
About The Race
The Great Race, which began 41 years ago, started not as a speed race, but a time/speed/distance rally.
Each of the vehicles has a driver and navigator and are given precise instructions each day that detail every move down to the second.
They are scored at secret checkpoints along the way and are penalized for each second they arrive either early or late.
In this race, the lowest score wins.
For more information, visit greatrace.com.
