It is less than 90 days from the start of the 2016 Great Race from San Rafael, California to Moline, Illinois and that means it is time to get those vintage cars out and drive them. And there is no better way to prepare for the Great Race than the participate in a regional rally this spring.
There are three regional rallies that many Great Race competitors attend in three different parts of the country Missouri, New York and Nebraska. It is not too late to enter any of these. Here is the information on each:
Springfield, Mo., May 5-8
This is the 11th annual All Stars For Autism rally put on by Great Race veteran Rex Gardner. The event starts with inspection and a practice rally on Thursday, May 5, with the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center as the hub. That will be followed by two full days of rally competition (Friday to Clinton, Mo., for the 60th anniversary celebration for Champion Oil and Saturday to Eureka Springs, Ark.) and a half day on Sunday. There is still time and space to enter the event and it is open to all vehicles regardless of age. Contact Rex at 918-801-2406 or email him at [email protected].
Fairport, N.Y., May 13-15
The Northeast Rally Clubs annual spring event will be held in Fairport and will be hosted by two-time Great Race champions Howard and Doug Sharp. Fairport was the best lunch stop on the 2012 Great Race and is located on the world famous Erie Canal. The rally will start Friday with a Fun Run and will be followed by a full day of competition on Saturday and a half day on Sunday. Lunch on Saturday will be at the home of Great Race veteran John Hudson in Baldwinsville, N.Y. The rally, like most regional events, is open to any vehicle of any age. There is a limit of 50 vehicles, but there are still a few spots left. You can find out more information at www.northeastrallyclub.com or by emailing Howard Sharp at [email protected].
Scottsbluff, Neb., June 2-5
The Sugar Valley Rally is the grandfather of all regional rallies, and as always it will be held in Scottsbluff about two weeks before the start of the Great Race. The race is a favorite of racers from around the country because of its low entry fee ($200) and fun rally and activities. There is even a class for cars that cannot travel more than 30 mph. Vehicle inspection will be Thursday and competition begins Friday. There is still time to enter (deadline is May 10). More information can be found at www.sugarvalleyrally.com.
