This year’s Great Race started with a couple days of rain showers, but those off-and-on bouts of rain didn’t hold a candle to what we went through today. It was a steady, soaking rain that lasted from daylight until nearly dark. The day started in Bangor, Maine, and we rallied around the back roads for a few hours before landing at the Seal Cove Auto Museum. The weather didn’t cooperate with us, but as they say, the show must go on! We still had a surprising turnout for the lunch stop wash out. Today’s course instructions were tricky, as it was a late start and an early finish, leaving very little time for timed rallying. That means the racers had to be on their game for the short course.
When the racers went off the clock in the afternoon, we entered Acadia National Park, which offered a beautiful drive around the base of Cadillac Mountain, brushing against the Atlantic Coast in several areas. Our tour around the Loop Road was epic, even though the weather hindered our ability to grab some beautiful photos. After our park tour, we were destined to Bar Harbor, Maine for a beautiful stop on the water. Once again, the weather did not cooperate with us, forcing us to cancel the finish line ceremony due to the high winds and chance for severe weather. The racers still made their way into town and onto the waterfront to receive their scores. It was Jeff and Eric Fredette taking home their first daily win of the 2018 Great Race. They have been running consistently and they are in the overall lead. We have three days of rallying in front of us, and we will cross into New Brunswick, Canada tomorrow morning. Take a look at these rain soaked photos, and stay tuned for more action tomorrow!
Most dangerous time seen on a rally by me. After lunch we again came by the starting line where later cars were just starting. Many near head on collisions with any local traffic meeting our cars going around starting cars.
Pathetic treatment with no consideration for the safety of participants. John Classen should be ashamed of such a situation he created.
Never before have I ever rallied past a start with cars in starting position. Maybe Im still too new at this game.
Having competed in 23 Great Races, most of them created by John, I can state from experience that he has always done his very best to ensure absolute integrity of the course and safety of the contestants. No one can cover every contingency and what happened on Mount Desert Island should be looked upon as an unfortunate experience to be avoided in the future.
I’ve only completed my 4th Great Race and I think both Bruce and Gary have valid points. But it is ultimately up to the racers to maintain a safe environment. Many teams out there are not knowledgeable of the protocols and processes associated with this event, creating a very hazardous environment throughout the competition. With the expansion of the Rookie Division there needs to be some additional control on the operation of the event and there should probably be a qualification for rookie teams to be eligible for the “big dance.”
is there a list of cars that have dropped out ?
i love following the progress of the race. i feel a part of it
My brother & I were at Norwich for the lunch stop on Sunday & had a great time in spite of rain that started before all cars had checked in. It would be very interesting to see a list of cars & participants that have been forced to drop out along with reason(s) for not continuing. Maybe a supplement to the daily blog? Best of luck to all participants & their support personnel. Dave
Hello : Great to hear you are coming our way, is it possible you will be taking Route #2 through Enfield, Wellington, Fall River on Saturday. Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable stay, and we look forward to seeing you.
Hi there! I work at a little country store in Alexander, Maine on Rt #9 on your way to Canada and we loved seeing everyone go by. We waved to every car that we could and loved the waves back and horn blowing. The vintage cars are wonderful! Thanks for vooming thru.
How did the Galax, Virginia Plymouth Belvadere make out with the new plug wires? What a pleasure to meet Tom Littrell. Glad we could help.
Wow how exciting to see these beauties passing thru our community, The Lodge, Aspotogan Peninsula, Nova Scotia, today! Thanks