Last Monday, I posted, “If this is Monday, we must be leaving Oklahoma City!” One week later, we have travelled 2300 miles, announced the arrival of up to 117 vehicles at 14 additional venues and greeted 100 teams as they completed the Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty at Santa Monica Pier! From driving through medium size cities, to lonely stretches of desert, to climbing to elevations of 7200 feet only to drop to 300 feet, this was a gruelling experience! The trip from San Bernardino to the finish line , from the finish line to the banquet resort and then on to the LAX was one that tested this small city guy’s focus. Luckily with my colleague Mike Williams and my trusted GPS (and John’s directions) I can report that I am now flying high, looking down upon some of the vast areas through which we have just driven.
I am truly a changed person today! I will forever cherish the events of last evening. Near the end of the program at the banquet, after over $258,500 in prize money had been awarded, Corky Coker came forward to present the, “Tom McRae Spirit of the Event Award”. To be on stage to assist with the presentation of this prestigious award… to listen to the explanation of the selection… to be the first to shake the hand of the recipient over the years has truly been special! Last evening, to hear that my involvement and contribution to the Great Race Race over the years was being recognized was both humbling and overwhelming. I am still in shock! I hope that there is a photo out there that captured the moment! The “Bird” (just wait ’til Marion sees the trophy!) will be an everlasting memory of one of my most cherished organizations! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’m as high emotionally as I am physically, and right now, I’m at 37,000 feet!
The Addendum….
Here I am sevveral hours later, sitting in my own kitchen, eating my favourite…a bacon & tomato sandwich; trying to bring my wife Marion up to date on what has been another unreal experience!
Final reflections tomorrow after a good night’s sleeep!
Cheers!
We can think of no person more deserving than you! You Rock 🙂
Motormouth you totally deserve it! So happy for you, and thanks for helping me out so much this year, and every year!! Can’t wait to see you again! If you ever get bored feel free to email me @oliviagentry66
I truly enjoyed meeting you in San Bernardino… I loved showing you our own Great Race car… and the oldest car in San Bernardino… Thanks for the time you spent here with us..
Sandy
You have always been one of our favourite people to meet up with again during the race. For your years of hard work out in the weather you truly deserve to get the bird.
Heaps of THANKS for all you do for Great Race every year! We are thrilled you have joined us in being a recipient of The Spirit of the Event Award — THE BIRD!!! You are definitely the face and spirit of Great Race! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better over breakfast one morning in Kirkwood. CONGRATULATIONS! — carolyn, a “Goofy-Newfy” born American
Justly deserved, fellow Canuck!!! Great to see you again, Brian….hope we’ll see you again next year!