The Great Race
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Today we took in something very unique at the Rochester Civic Center; it is called The Great Race. This is a 9-day automobile rally that is going from St. Paul, MN to Irmo, SC. There are absolutely stringent rules that must be followed. Each entry must be built in 1974 or earlier. Each vehicle has one driver and one navigator. Every morning they receive a map for the day which is revealed to them 30 minutes before their departure. They have to follow a very specific route which passes through multiple manned checkpoints. They are strictly timed from one checkpoint to the next. They are informed of not only which turns/routes to use, but also the exact speed they are to travel each segment of road. However, here is the catch, they are not allowed to use any speedometers. The only indication of speed they are allowed to use appears to be a combination of a tachometer, a clock with a second hand, and a stopwatch. They are told exactly how long they are to “sit” at each stop sign before proceeding. The scoring is NOT based upon their speed; rather, it is based upon how closely they follow the prescribed route and timing. They are expected to cross each segment checkpoint at EXACTLY the second prescribed. The closer they are to crossing the checkpoints at the time allotted the more points they are awarded - or conversely - the further their time deviates from that which is dictated, the more points are deducted. If they cross a checkpoint at the EXACT second expected, they are awarded a sticker to place on the car, which reads ACE! Many of the entries were covered in these stickers. Apparently, the rules for this race run about 25 pages in length, but this gets you some idea of what they are up against. There were entries from all over the United States, Europe and even Japan. These cars/trucks may be “classics”, but they are NOT museum pieces - these vehicles are driven in all weather situations and many miles. Several of the entries have taken part in this race many times. The races are conducted all throughout the country. We are told there will be one traveling Route 66 from Springfield, IL to Pasadena, CA from June 20-28, 2026 in celebration of the 100th anniversary on the route.
This is the route The Great Race is taking in 2025. Rochester was the first stop along they way. These teams left St. Paul earlier in the day and will overnight here in Rochester before heading to Waterloo, IA tomorrow.
This photo is meant to show the “instrumentation” they are allowed. Each vehicle has one of these goofy appearing simple clocks with a second hand and a stopwatch. Aside from that, their speedometer - if the vehicle has one - must be covered.
This Jaguar E-Type shows how they used a Mickey Mouse sticker to cover the speedometer so it is not visible.
Most of these photos are just to showcase some of the unique aspects of these old cars/trucks. Again, these vehicles are not meant as museum pieces like are often seen at “typical” car shows.
This old Coca-Cola delivery truck gives you some idea of the type of vehicles taking part in this race. Wait until you see the chain-driven converted fire truck….
Alfa-Romeos were a popular entry.
Here is how the teams determine their speed. They know their vehicle’s RPM and how it corresponds to each MPH speed. From this chart posted in front of the driver, he/she can determine how fast they are going. Now, keep in mind, using this primitive method, they are expected to cross the checkpoints at EXACTLY the time allotted, to the SECOND!!!
Notice flanking each side of this ornate front grill are several red, white, and blue ACE stickers. This team has managed to cross the checkpoints at the EXACT second prescribed. This boggles my mind!
This team is known as the Wandering Troubadours of Finland - which is a tribute to their founder’s heritage, but also a playful acronym which they embrace on their emblem (WTF)! The team consists not only of the driver and navigator, but an entire support team that follows them in a bus to keep this vintage chain-driven 1918 American LaFrance Speedster running. They appear to have one heck of a good time and value the fun and camaraderie over winning.
The chain-driven right rear. Each rear wheel has it’s own independent chain drive. The wheels are wooden and I can’t imagine where you would find tires to fit this. They had several replacements strapped to the back of the vehicle.
The Datsun 240 Z was the first sports-car I ever drove.
