Area residents will have a unique opportunity to witness history in motion when the Hemmings Motor News Great Race rolls into Effingham for a lunch stop on Monday, June 24th. The nine-day, 2,300-mile rally features 120 vintage vehicles from across the globe and is considered one of the world’s premier antique car events.
Each year, the Great Race charts a new route across the United States, offering fans a rare chance to view classic cars up close and meet the drivers and navigators. Admission is free, and spectators are encouraged to come out and interact with the participants. Many drivers welcome children to sit behind the wheel for a first-hand look at automotive history.
“Last year, we had several overnight stops with more than 10,000 spectators, on our way to having 250,000 people see the Great Race during the event,” said Jeff Stumb, Great Race Director. “There are more than 500 people just in our entourage.”
The 2025 event kicks off on June 21st in St. Paul, Minnesota, during the MSRA Back to the 50’s Weekend, and will conclude on June 29 in Irmo, South Carolina. Along the way, racers will make 17 city stops, including Effingham. The route passes through Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Participants include teams from Japan, England, Australia, Canada, and nearly every U.S. state. Vehicles competing in the rally must be 1974 or older, and the field this year includes some rare and historic entries such as a 1912 Haynes, 1913 Chevrolet, 1916 Hudson, and 1918 American LaFrance. In 2024, a 1916 Hudson Hillclimber took top honors.
Unlike a scenic cruise, the Great Race is a precision time/speed/distance rally. Drivers and navigators must follow a strict set of daily instructions and are scored at secret checkpoints along the route. Penalties are given for arriving early or late—the lowest score wins, much like in golf. The event offers a total purse of $160,000, with $50,000 awarded to the overall winner.
The rally was founded in 1983 by Tom McRae and has grown into an internationally acclaimed event. This year’s sponsors include Hemmings Motor News, Coker Tire, McCollister’s Auto Transport, Hagerty Driver’s Club, Southern Star Distillery, and Samuel Smith Old Brewery.
For more details, visit greatrace.com or follow the Great Race Facebook Page.
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