Great Race Fans

Most of the times races feature vehicles that are driven in tip-top speed via technological advances in engine set-up and other various aspects of the vehicle’s machinery. It is always topmost priority to finish the race as the frontrunner. There is no place for second spot as the only important and most beautiful sight in the world is the first glance of the chequered flag waving in all its glory. But believe me race fans there is another form of racing that you have to explore and be acquainted with. It may be surprising at first but once you get the idea it is not as easy as winning the race as number one.

There is a competitive form of race that has come to be known as a pace race. Basically, it is a timed race wherein the object of the game is not at all to finish first in the least time rather participants have to actually pace themselves and reach the line within a predetermined time and in the highest quality of physical condition. It is common practice for this type of race to start in a staggered manner. There are some cases wherein the prescribed time is not absolutely defined such that the winner turns out to be the racer that obtains the closest finish with that of the time that was set initially. There are also instances in which the prescribed time serves as a window and whoever completes the prepared course outside of such window will be disqualified or penalized.

On the American racing scene when precision pace race is talked about one can only think of the Great Race. It was known as the Great American Race on some extent before such term was determined as a misnomer. The great race involves a club rally wherein street-legal vintage vehicles aging at least 45 years are the focus of attention. It is dictated that the automobile entered and used should be of original parts and factory mechanisms. Modern navigational gadgets such as GPS are not allowed in such event.

It is reiterated that speed is not the key factor for winning precision pace races. The point rewarding system is based on the efficiency and accuracy of both the driver and navigator to finish a prepared course on the average speed and time that was prescribed according to race rules and policies. Handicap system also applies which means that older and more vintage vehicles garner extra bonus points. Prizes can also be given based on different categories.

A pair of Texans is responsible for bringing the Great Race into the racing circles. They are Tom McRae and Norm Miller. The 1965 movie Great Race was the inspiration of the dynamic duo for the name of the event. It actually kicked off in 1983 over a span of 14 days. From then on it was held on an annual basis. The course consists of a 4000-mile run across the US which is done in an east-to-west manner or the other way around.

Organizers make it a point that large cities are not included in the run. Back roads winding through small American towns and secondary highways are the common setting of this pace race. The whole portion of the course is known to the public but it is maintained that participants should not even have the slightest idea of how the course will go. The recognition of Great American City is given to the area with the most number of spectators and supporters.

As avid race fans you should always know that the race is not always about gaining first crack of the finish line. What really matters is how well each racer performed and carried themselves with utmost integrity and passion.