The 2024 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Coker Tire is officially underway! Today, more than 135 teams took the Green Flag in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky, much to the delight of thousands of spectators. It was sunny, hot and humid, so finding shade was top priority for the on-lookers. As much as we enjoyed our time in Owensboro, it was time to hit the road, so we shot out of town and started the competition after grabbing a quick lunch on the way to the official start location. A challenging route made for a grueling day one, but everyone breathed a sigh of relief as we rolled into the beautiful town of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. As the final cars came through the finish line gate and received their scores, we were able to quickly determine the day’s top scores. Congratulations to Team Coker Tire, the husband and wife team of Gary and Jean Ann Martin. Their “Coker Blue ’32” performed flawlessly, and the Martin’s came in with an outstanding score of 3.24 seconds to kick things off. The field was tight, with the rest of the Top 5 finishers being made up of previous Grand Championship winners with a difference of only about 2 seconds. We head into Ohio tomorrow, so we’ll see what Day 2 holds for the teams. For now, take a look at our highlights from Day 1!
It looks like so much fun. I could be a navigator
We thoroughly enjoyed watching the cars pass our family farm of 115 years on today’s route. Thanks for the memories and enjoy the remainder of your trip!
The Livingston Family.
French Lick, Indiana
I was in Lawrenceburg for the overnight stop. The Great Race organization did a fantastic job. I loved all the cars and the people involved. The city was poorly prepared. There were no restrooms available, no port-a-pots. I walked eight blocks to a bar and ordered a meal, just so I could use the restroom. A couple hours later I left before nature called again.
I was ask by other where to find a restroom and no one had an answer. I mention it to one of the gentlemen directing the cars into the checkpoint and they had no clue.
Hoping to catch them taking off from Lawrenceburg! Where?
My dad is a retired Great Racer and we loved coming down to see everyone in Owensboro! We headed out just before they started and sat by our house to watch them come up Highway 231. It was a wonderful walk down memory lane for him. Best of luck to all the racer. Be safe and be vigilant!
We went to a watch party at 4 Speed on 50 in Lawrenceburg to see them come into town and it is simply amazing that they could be so close on time with the traffic and such. Amazing to see some of the iconic cars come through with the driver’s and navigators waving back at us.
Love seeing all the Car Gals and Guys. Happy faces, having fun.
Keep on rollin’, Help each other out when someone’s in trouble,
we’re with you all the way.
Fabulous people and cars. What more could you as for. Thank you Great Race Team! It was truly an honor to see all of the cars and meet their fabulous teams. Good luck to all them.
What an awesome event! Being from Owensboro, i got to talk to a lot of the drivers, everyone was so great and friendly to talk too! Loved the festival atmosphere! Hope this becomes an annual event for my town!
Where is Tommy’s play by play live broadcast? I loved those
We were there for the Saturday morning send off- What a crowd!! It was Great!! Good luck, safe travels to all
We just happened to be at the start hotel and talked to a few racers. How cool! Definitely a unique and educational experience to see America traveling like this. To the CT college team that took the time to explain all the details to me thank you and good luck safe trip! I’ll keep checking your times now that you helped me understand it all. I loved riding/driving my family’s classic cars in parades and going to car shows but this is next level and requires so much skill and attention to details that I can only respect those doing it and admire the cars from afar.
Thank you for coming to Owensboro! We loved having you here, and so appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes to organize and participate in an event like this. Safe travels, and good luck to all!
I am certainly missing you-all at the Great Race….
Best wishes for a safe journey!