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
pit 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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