One of the cool things about working on the Great Race is the really amazing people that are involved.
For the past six months Ive had a great time getting to know Jeff Stumb. Im sure many of you know Jeff from his Great Race involvement over the past couple of decades. I had met him at a couple Coker Tire Challenges, but I didnt really know him very well.
At the end of last years Coker Tire Challenge, Corky, Jim Menneto and Rex Gardner announced the 2011 Hemmings Motor News Great Race this June, and we got lucky. Almost immediately, Jeff Stumb stepped up and said, Let me help. I can talk to the folks who have done this. Ive hosted stops and know whats involved. I can help these folks in the cities do a great job. I’d love to help.
And he has been doing just that.
Jeff, a newspaper owner and publisher, who hails from Huntsville, Alabama, has really pitched in and has done a yeomans job helping us get the folks at each of the lunch and dinner stops on-board, informed, and energized about you great folks coming though their towns on the Hemmings Motor News 2011 Great Race.
The results look pretty astounding, as well. Each and every one of the cities has pledged to make their hometown, the best stop on this years Great Race. With all that municipal competition, were expecting the red carpet to be rolled out for you folks from one end of the Appalachian Mountains to the other.
The other thing I have noticed is that Jeffs efforts in reaching out to all of you by phone and by email have done wonders as well. Like Corky, Jeff believes in this event and believes in its importance to the vintage and collector car hobby. (Youd have to be serious about this hobby to have 6 pre-1920 Hudsons.) As I have listened to him talk to some of you long-time Great Racers, Ive heard how persuasive he can be.
Along the way, Ive come to appreciate how important Jeff has been to our efforts in working with both the cities and with you the racers.
You know I said we got lucky. Maybe its not luck. Its just good folks helping good folks do good things and have a great time!
Thanks for your help Jeff!
Wes
When will a detailed route map be available. I would love to watch the vintage cars drive through North Carolina on the first day. Somewhere after lunch in Athena, before Maggie Valley. Brooks
Brooks,
Thanks for the question. Great Racers often get asked where they will be and when. Unfortunately due to the nature of the rally, the actual route is not even given to the competitors. The instructions laying out the route are only provided just 45 minutes before the day begins. JeanAnn Martin, a Great Racer, has posted a picture of a page of old instructions. https://www.greatrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/blog-shots-008.jpg. It is difficult to tell the route from previous course instructions. The best bet to see the racers is at a stop or along a highway to the next stop. The race rarely goes onto the interstate. I am sorry that I don’t have a direct answer to your question. I hope you are able to see the race. It’s a sight to see!
Hello, What a great event. Will you be coming through “the dragon” en route to Maggie Valley? Thanks
Jackson,
I really don’t know. My comment above gives a rundown on the reasoning. My guess will be a no, although I really have no idea. I have participated in the race enough to know the kinds of roads we are usually taken on. US 129 is a little technical for a race like this. If I were a betting man, I would say the cherohala skyway would be the route we take. Really, the only way to see the cars for sure is in Maggie Valley for the overnight. Hope to see you there!
So looking forward to seeing the cars off Saturday morning! How early will cars be lining up for the start at Coker Tire Co.?
Ian,
The official start time is at 10:00 AM, but you would be missing all the fan fare at that point. I would suggest being around at 9:00 AM. I hope to see you there.