The other day, I was reading a book, and came upon a quote.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” -St. Augustine.
When I saw this quote, I immediately thought of my Great Race family. Last night, another chapter was completed as another Great Race came to an end. We rode through the vineyards of San Rafael, California, the gold mines of Nevada, the geysers of Wyoming, the Badlands, and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial of South Dakota, the rolling corn fields of Iowa, and finally into the John Deere Pavilion of Moline, Illinois together. I have made many new friends this year, and was able to reconnect with all of the friends I have made over the years.
I have always thought that the hardest part of the Great Race was saying goodbye to all of the amazing people you meet throughout this incredible event. I have friends from all over the world including people from Canada, the United Kingdom, and people from all over the United States which I have met through the Great Race. Together we all completed this journey. The Great Race truly is a world class event, and it was truly an honor to finish this chapter with all of you.
As many of you know, this year was my final year as a staff member of The Great Race. For five years, I have sold programs all across the United States, and even throughout parts of Canada. I have received nothing but encouragement, and support throughout this journey, and for that I will forever be grateful. I am excited to start a new chapter, as a driver in the 2017 Hemmings Motor News Great Race Presented By Hagerty with the support of my biological family, as well as my Great Race Family.
My sister, Genna Gentry, and I will be competing as a team next year as we travel on the Dixie Highway from Jacksonville, Florida to Traverse City, Michigan. We are excited to write this chapter together and overjoyed to have such great people alongside us while doing it. We hope to see you all in Jacksonville but most of all thanks, for a truly Great Race.
Unitl next time,
-Olivia Gentry
It has been a pleasure reading your commentary and seeing your photographs. We will be following your progress in next years Great Race. Best of luck?
Kevin & JoRene’
Vacaville California
Go win rookie class!!
The rest of the rookie class won’t know what hit them! (As I recall, the last time a Knowles team were rookies they left the others far behind.) Looking forward to reading the next chapter of your ongoing story, Olivia!! Thanks for the great commentary and insight along the way. It really added a lot to our Great Race experience being able to see it from your perspective.
Olivia I missed your cheerful and always exiting personality. I just could not participate this year.
But I will not miss your rocky year as a driver next year.
Best of everything to a great young lady.
Sincerely
Jack Hausmann
Olivia, I always smile when I see you, you are such a cheerful and happy young lady and treat everyone as your best friend. I am thankful to know you and look forward to watch you and your sister cross the finish line and get your check next year.
Sincerely
Bob Bryan
Delaware
Olivia, welcome, welcome to the truly sweaty part of the Great Race. We’ll miss your voice ringing out at the stops; but expect that Gentry skill to win Rookie!
Yeah Girl!!!! Can’t wait for next year!! So glad to have met you! Have a fabulous summer! ?
OMG a new Rookie team. You girls have got to kill the Rookie class! Olivia I am so very impressed with your writing ability and truly enjoyed reading your blog even tho we were no longer on the race. You two girls are beautiful on the inside and out and the world is certainly lucky to have you in its sphere.