The Great Race passes through Purcellville

On Tuesday June 25, The Great Race came to the Walsh Family Farm in Purcellville, a little after noon. Ken Walsh, a previous participant, showed some of the racers and attendees the Walsh collection, which included dozens of 409-powered Chevrolets and drag cars. The lunch stop at the Walsh Family Farm was catered by the Purcellville Pub.

A Porsche caravan showed up to view the race, as well as other vintage car enthusiasts and nearly 1,000 spectators. It was an instant festival!

After leaving the farm, participants stopped at the Shell station in the Downtown Historic District, where they filled up with gas, compliments of the Walsh family. There were approximately 120 automobiles this year. 

They then began to make their way north to Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg. 

The Great Race is an antique car race, with cars from all over the country. The first race was held in 1983, and it is open to vintage models built in 1974 and earlier. They race varied routes each year, for about 2,300 miles total. The Founder, Tom McRae, made sure to provide fresh routes for the participants.

Since these cars don’t drive on interstates, route-setters pick some of the most interesting historic and back roads to travel on. It is a competition, with a prize of $250,000 in 1983, but the race, according to their website, never lost the friendly and easygoing spirit it started with. This year’s top prize is for $50,000.

This year they began in Owensboro, Kentucky, and their final destination is Gardner, Maine, for a total nine-day rally.