The Great Race X-Cup high school team from Ponca City, Oklahoma, was treated to a VIP visit to Jay Lenos Garage in California the day after winning the high school and college division in the 2015 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty. The team, which beat out two-time defending champion McPherson College of Kansas and Alfred State college of New York as well as another high school team from Mobile, Alabama, competed in a 1956 Buick convertible and finished an impressive 18th place overall. Jeff Mahl, who is pictured with the team, spearheaded the effort to get the youth group into Lenos Garage the day after more than 100 cars finished the 9-day, 2,400-mile event on the Santa Monica Pier.
I would like to express my gratitude to Jay Leno for granting us the opportunity to view his eclectic collection of autos, and Bob,our tour guide, who was well versed in all the nuances of each individual treasure. We found the experience to be quite educational and inspirational, as well as The Great Race and its family. Special thanks to Jeff Mahl whose encouragement and enthusiasm was contagious, and made a lasting impression on the whole team!
The X-Cup Division reminds us all of the importance of the next generation. They will be the ones to carry on Great Race, when it becomes our turn to watch…