Wow, another adventurous day on the Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty. Today’s route didn’t cover near as much ground as yesterday, as we crossed into North Carolina and rallied on every back road John Classen could find. We had loops, we had multiple checkpoints, and we had some iffy weather moments at times, as well as some delays, thanks to road construction, tractors, and draw bridges. We eventually crossed the Albemarle Sound on a long (and bumpy) bridge. Our lunch stop was a pleasant visit to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where the folks greeted us with a warm welcome, and a great prepared lunch for us. As we rolled into New Bern, North Carolina, we could tell it was going to be an incredible stop, as we saw folks watching the cars roll in several miles away from town. Once we rolled into downtown, the streets were packed with people and it was wall-to-wall with folks who were very excited about the Great Race. New Bern, thank you for the amazing support!
As with any day of rallying, there are ups and downs. The scores were all over the board today, proving that it’s still anyone’s race. Our Japanese team driving a 1972 Nissan scored their first ACE award, and they were beyond thrilled! Knowles/Gentry had a strong day and moved up a few positions in the overall scores. Jeff and Eric finished 8th on the day, but still hold the overall lead. Check out today’s scores here. Unfortunately, a heavy hitter (David Reeder and Sawyer Stone) broke a rear axle key during the morning’s route, which put them on the Tommy’s Trailers sweep truck for the remainder of the day. Another breakage includes the team of Harper and Blair blowing a head gasket on the Cadillac V8 that rides under the hood of their green ’32 Ford roadster.
LOOKIN’ GOOD, WE ARE ANXIOUSLY AWAITING SOUTH OF MYRTLE BEACH IN GEORGETOWN, HOPING TO GET A GLIMPSE OF THE GREAT RACERS!!!!!
Just wanted to say we had a blast in Elizabeth City, NC yesterday. I brought my 64 vette and all the other car guys showed up to welcome the Teams in the GREATRACE!
The Southland Car Club out of Smithfield NC will be in
Clinton awaiting your arrival!
Really enjoyed your stop in New Bern, N.C….Please come again!!
It was great to have ALL of the racers in Elizabeth City yesterday; what and honor and a privilege to meet the Legendary “Humpy” Wheeler and his Grandson; GOOD LUCK to all of the racers…..
I was thrilled to see you off from the beach in Ogunquit, ME, after catching glimpses of your cars here & there throughout town. Stay safe, & good luck to all.
Is there any way to find out if they are travelling route 17 between Savannah and Jacksonville, I just want to take photos…..please
Elaine and I were part of the First Capital AACA greeting committee here in New Bern NC, and let me tell you, that is a day I will never forget. It was hot, and crowded, with some of the cars overheating and some of the drivers near exhaustion as we parked them, but ever driver had a big smile on their face when we offered our hand and welcomed them to out town. We wish all the teams and support crews safe passage and and clear skies on their way to Florida. Tom & Elaine Smith
Just about to leave to go to downtown Wilmington to greet the racers….Have been wanting to see this for years. Just moved here two years ago.
We loved seeing the vehicles arrive in New Bern to an enthusiastic crowd. What a wonderful reception it was, and the atmosphere was electric. It was like a throw-back in time, seeing all those glorious vehicles of a bygone age. Good luck the rest of the way to all the drivers/navigators, and thanks so much for stopping in New Bern, NC., home of PepsiCola.
Had the pleasure of meeting Humpy Wheeler and his grandson, Austin roadside in PA on Monday. Great guys, Hope they are still in the race!
Loved having you stop in New Bern, NC. As a downtown business, we were happy to welcome you to our town and hope you can schedule another race to include us in the future. Good luck to all the drivers/navigators on the rest of your journey. Safe driving!
Took some great pics of a few cars on long ridge road.
Where can I send them