THE GREAT AMERICAN RACE ® 2004
For the second year in a row, the Shoals was treated to little of the past, Monday, June 21, as the Great Race rolled through the area. According the Great Race website, 120 vintage vehicles will start the 22nd running of the annual race which began June 19 in Jacksonville, Florida, and ended July 3 in Monterey, California.
The lunch stop was a little different this year, as the cars traveled up Court Street. The organizers chose Court Street, which runs through the historic downtown area of Florence, because it represents "Main Street America". A three or four block area was roped off to allow the drivers to park their cars while they take a lunch break at the Corner Cafe on the corner of Mobile Plaza and Wood Avenue.
In addition, the Northwest Alabama British Sports Car and Motoring Club put their cars on display on Mobile Plaza.
Monday's event was the third stage of 14 that began in Homewood, Alabama (outside Birmingham) and ended in Jackson, Tennessee. There was a morning it stop in Cullman, Alabama, and an afternoon stop in Savannah, Tennessee.
The cost for a private entry is $5,500 with a $500 discount available. Business and corporate entries are higher. This year, drivers are vying for $260,000 in prize money.
To qualify, cars, trucks or motorcycles must be 45 years old or older as originally manufactured and/or modified in their year of manufacture. Vehicles newer than 1950 must be convertibles, sports cars, motorcycles or special interest vehicles approved by The Great Race Selection Committee. Allowed modern modifications include 12-volt electrics any point-type distributor, overdrive units, auxiliary cooling systems and internal engine components. High performance modifications are acceptable if they were available during the year the vehicle was manufactured.
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