By Great Race
June 18, 2013
We’re lucky to have Carl Schneider and Don Jones as participants in the 2013 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty. These guys are quite the pair, and they will be traveling in a 1954 Packard convertible, which has quite a history in long-distance rallying. It has been taken out of retirement from the Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio, so it’s a special occasion for this classic Packard. It’s last trip with Carl and Don involved driving around the world, from New York back to New York back in 1997!
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By Great Race
June 18, 2013
The Stahl’s love Great Racing! They joined us last year for our event, as it made a lap around the Great Lakes, and they participated in a 1941 Packard convertible. This year, they’re back, in the same convertible, as well as another entry…a 1934 Ford Phaeton. Brett and Dan Stahl will pilot the Packard, while Mary and Ted Stahl will drive the Ford. The Stahl’s are based in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and were recently featured in Grosse Pointe Magazine, a local publication. The story is pretty cool, so check it out!
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By Motormouth
June 18, 2013
Tuesday morning…two days prior to departing for St. Paul. It is focus day for MotorMouth. There are so many things to review; driver/navigator background information, the vehicles and their uniqueness, the lunch and evening stops, the sponsors… and the list goes on! Beyond that is the preparation of travel document and the packing that all teams are doing as well.
Thank you to the several teams who have sent additional information about thier respective teams to help MotorMouth tell the story as we rally down the Mississippi. Along with the preparation is the anticipation of what will be an incredible experience, visiting new towns and cities, meeting dignitaries and rally fans along the way. Because I’ve been around the Great Race for a long time, most important to me is the rekindling of friendships with Great Race staff, families, competitors and the children of competitors. To see how they’ve grown and matured since the previous event is always amazing!
See you all in St. Paul!
By JeanAnn Martin
June 18, 2013
Martin Vrooom is on the way to Minneapolis. We left this morning bringing a new support driver, Jimmy Morgan. He is a car guy, former short track racer and lifetime friend of Gary’s. This will be his first Great Race and we have been giving him the “scoop” on the fun, excitement and competition of the Great Race. While we have been explaining the responsibilities of support to Jimmy it made me think of the important role support crews play in the event. After a long day on the rally it is nice to have support crews available in the evening to help with various tasks. Although Gary is glad to have a car guy with him the big advantage to me is having someone to help with room check in/luggage. Just like any family, the Great Race family has many members with various responsibilities and our support crews are an essential part of the family. Thanks to all the support crew guys and gals!!
By Great Race
June 18, 2013
An even dozen cars arrived via three Reliable Carriers trucks in St. Paul Monday, and another truck is due Tuesday. The first competitors to arrive were rookies Donald and Mary Ann Moore from Kentucky. They drove the 860 miles in their 1956 Ford Crown Victoria. We can’t wait until the Grand Start of the 2013 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty! We’ll be at the Back to the ’50s car show in St. Paul, heading out at 10am sharp…be there!!!
Click HERE for the story!
By Ray Szeluga
June 18, 2013
The ’69 Dart GT is on the starting line ready to go. It is only waiting on it’s three (3) passengers. We depart tomorrow morning at 6:30. A overnight stop is scheduled in Rockford, Il to visit with family. Rockford is my hometown. Our plan is to arrive in St. Paul Wednesday afternoon. Gary and JeanAnn thank you for you generous offer to mentor. We accept.
By Great Race
June 17, 2013
Our friends over at Hagerty Insurance are avid Great Race supporters, both on a sponsorship level, as well as a participation level. This year, Hagerty has two teams competing, one of which is a freshly restored 1969 Camaro SS. Last week, the New York Times did a special feature on the classic Chevy, mentioning that the car was being restored for competition in the 2013 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty. Give it up for the all girl team of Tabetha Salisbury and Tricia Felski, for driving the Great Race in a big block Camaro! Check it out!
Click HERE for the link!
By Great Race
June 17, 2013
I am not sure “gear up” (borrowed this from Motormouth) is the term I would use. My gears are grinding as the day fast approaches for our team’s departure. Our team leader (Brad Leasor) had to drop out at the last second. Brad has been the one “gearing up” his 1959 Willys for the race. He also organized the team (Billie Bates, Charlie Simpson and I, Ray Szeluga). Brad we will miss your leadership. Charlie and I would have been riding along for moral support while Billie was set to navigate. So I’ve gone from being an interested backseat driver / spectator to driver in less than a week. Also I had to ensure my 1969 Dodge Dart GT is ready for The Great Race. Billie, Charlie and I depart from Lexington, KY on Tuesday morning. We are true rally / race rookies, but can not wait to join with everyone in St. Paul. Look for car #64. While we feel more like “car 54 where are you”.
By JeanAnn Martin
June 11, 2013
One week from today we will be on the road traveling to Minneapolis for the start of the Great Race. I’m pleased to say we are organized and ready for the trip. That is a big surprise to me since usually we are rushing at the last minute to get everything ready. In past years Gary has been finishing maintenance on Maxine the day before we leave but not this year — Maxine is in the trailer ready to go! I have plenty of highlightes (pink & blue), pens (red), batteries and 0ther navigator supplies. I feel it is the “calm before the storm”and keep thinking there will be some last minute surprise of something we have forgotten. Needless to say we are excited about the 2013 Great Race and anxious for the event to begin. Looking forward to being with our Great Race family. 
By Great Race
June 7, 2013
Dan Harris participated in several Great Races, including the 2006 event which stopped in his home state of Nevada where racers overnighted in Tonapah. Now, Harris is selling his 1929 Ford Speedster. It has a Ron Kelly engine, and it has never had a DNF. The car is located in southern Nevada. Call Dan with questions at 775-209-4163. He is asking $30,000 or make an offer. “Change the oil and it’s ready to go racing,” Dan says.
