Charlie Brittingham’s Great Race Story
How I became involved with The Great Race.
Let me begin with the timeline of my involvement.
1998 noticed the race passing by my place of work in Southern Indiana. Spoke with two other antique car enthusiasts about checking on the race. (Clem Lange, Bruce Sickbert)
1998 traveled to Hershey, PA for a swap meet. Met Sister McRae at The Great Race booth in the field. We began to build a car to enter the race. Sister McRae invited us to Granbury, TX to ride in the four-day local race to learn the guidelines. We finished second in the rookie class.
1999 competed my first Great Race from Marietta, GA to Anaheim, CA. We had eight flat tires which provided a memorable race.
1999-2001 provided support and mechanics for a 1932 Essex 2-door coupe convertible with Best Chairs.
2002-2004 hauled the photographers and provided mechanics for Roush Racing.
2007-2010 The Great Race did not run.
2011 worked with The Great Race at lunch stops, check points and setup.
2005-2019 work for Rex Gardner for Race for Autism to raise money. I supported by working the lunch stops, check points and setup.
2014-2017 drove cars for Rich McKon.
2105 won Friendliest Great Racer from the Japanese teams.
2020 built cars and drove a 1913 Chevy Baby Grand for Ed Habetz.
What have I enjoyed or experienced from The Great Race?
The opportunity to travel through forty-six states as well as the various cities while passing through each state. I have been able to make friends with people from all over the world not just the U.S. even though this is where the race takes place.
I have always enjoyed working with and rebuilding antique cars and trucks. The Great Race allowed me to enjoy this passion all over the U.S. with many different people.
Charlie Brittingham
Car #28, 1913 Chevy Baby Grand