If there has ever been a family that truly “gets” Great Racing, it’s the Knowles and Gentry family. Joe Knowles planted the vintage car rally seed many years ago, and it has trickled down through the generations. Even though Joe went to be with the Lord several years ago, TWO of his cars rallied with us this year on the Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty. The Pop’s Passion team of Jody Knowles and Beth Gentry have been running in the Expert division for years in Joe’s 1932 Ford Cabriolet, and they have always performed well. And while they’ve always been in the money, they had never sealed the deal with a Grand Championship. So, to say that the tensions were high at the finish line is a giant understatement. It came down to two teams, and as Corky Coker announced the winner, the whole Knowles and Gentry clan erupted in screams, laughter, tears and hugs all around. It finally happened for this long time rallying family, and it was in front of a crowd of thousands in Traverse City, Michigan. The excitement and the emotion of this moment was something to behold, and you can bet that Joe Knowles is one proud pop right now.
What route did the race take south of Mackinaw City? We waited near our home on US 31 20 miles south of Charlevoix hoping to see all the cars, but we only saw 2 support cars and 1 Buick. That was 11:30-12:15.
Well deserved! This team has fought hard for years to win this event. They came in 2nd the year after Joe went to be with the Lord. Congratulations to Beth & Jody PLUS those wonderful daughters of Beth’s that took Rookie class. Well done.
MANY, MANY Congratulations!!! I am so sad I was not there in person to see this well-deserved victory! Big Hoorays for Olivia and Genna on winning their first time out! Must be genetic!!
A VERY BIG GOOD JOB TO ALL OF YOU…
Congratulations!
This is what is called a family effort . What a great family they are.
Good job – Congratulations to all of you. You’re very special to me, as you know, and I couldn’t be happier for you. Sorry I wasn’t there to hug your necks!!!!!
Tommy
Good job – Congratulations to all of you. You’re very special to me, as you know, and I couldn’t be happier for you. Sorry I wasn’t there to hug your necks!!!!!
Tommy
Woo Hoo from Jack and Connie Renfro! We have been watching the scores each day while rooting for your team! Your daughters just blew us away! They have a place in our hearts just as you do.
God bless you and yours!