This years Great Race has started! I'll be posting the results and notes from our VCCA members, John and Greg Hudson in the 1940 "Stovebolt". All of the info is coming to me via email from John's wife, Conne. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them here and I'll email them to Conne for replies.
Let's all enjoy the ride!!
Brewster
Wed. June 19th 2019...
Hi! All, The adventure has begun! John & Greg (our son) boarded their flight to Riverside, CA. today at 2:30 p.m. for the start of the Great Race on Saturday -- really Friday -- as this is the "tie-breaker" day for the Race! The Great Race will go from Riverside, CA. to Tacoma, WA. this year! For those of you that are "not in the know", grandson, Scott Hudson, who participated in the Race with Grandpa for 13 yrs. could not go this year because of the time frame -- being a teacher and not being able to get out of school to be on the west coast in time for the Race!! That explains why our son, Greg, who drove in the Race last year and got the "bug" offered to try to navigate for his Dad.....BUT, navigating and driving are very different, as you can imagine.....so, we will just have to see how Dad takes instruction from young son, Scott, as they have been practicing and going over the figures quite often since early Spring! --- only time will tell!! The car #60 "Stovbolt"-- 1940 Chevy Master Deluxe coupe was transported by Reliable Transportation Co. from B'ville to Riverside, CA. and arrived there on Monday this week...... The car has participated in the Race since 2000 and has over 150,000 miles on it......it has traveled 4 times across the U.S.--east to west and west to east along with other routes on the Great Race! Anyone wishing to go online to see the participants and the Race route they will be taking may go to: www.GreatRace.com Also, there will be pictures, daily scores, newspaper articles, etc. to view..... Because of the time difference, the scores I will be posting probably will be posted online by my e-mails to all of you a day late this year.....it is usually late before they are posted and with the time difference it will be possibly 11 or 12 midnight (our time)....... If I have included your name on this e-mail by mistake, please let me know -- I would appreciate it! And, if you know someone I have NOT included....please send it along to them.....or let me know also! We are excited for "the boys" and wish them good luck, God speed and many fun times along the way! Till the next e-mail....."I am keeping the home fires burning".......
Hugs, Conne Hudson Baldwinsville, New York
Last edited by brewster; 06/20/1905:08 PM.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
John & Greg made it to Riverside, CA. last night at 11 p.m.! --- long day in the air.....as they had a 3 hr. stopover in Denver, CO. where they met up with relatives for dinner and continued on to Riverside, CA. Checked in to motel where they will be till Saturday morning.....lots of activities planned for the racers and support crews.....among them....a whale-watching excursion, concert and dinners! Today, Thursday, they were due to attend a general meeting of ALL racers and "tech inspection" of the car....where they check out if they have a fire extinquisher on board and no illegal equipment, etc...... Tomorrow's Race is the "tie-breaker" for the Race, which was only used once in the history of the Great Race! Their score tomorrow might determine if they win the Race or not-- if there is a tie in scoring between two cars at the end of the Race! It is important to achieve a good score for that day! Again, if any of you wish to look up the finer points of the Race......please go to: www.GreatRace.com for details...... There is information on cost of entering the Race, prize monies, classes and entrants names, kind of car driven for each, and their handicap for their car.....(the older the vehicle the higher the handicap-- for instance-- John's friend drives a 1916 Hudson and his handicap is greater than John & Greg's 1940 Chevy coupe so that means that John has to achieve a much better score to arrive at the same standing in the Race!) The majority of people we talk to think the Great Race is a "speed race" but actually it is an endurance, timed race over the 10 days time..... There are anywhere from 5--8 legs per day and each one is a timed event totaling at the end of the day their score with their handicap figured into the equation......They are marked either early or late on each one of those legs and IF they should come in "on the mark" then that is considered an ACE for a perfect score and a decal for their efforts is issued to place on their car.... A little background before the actual Race begins.....etc..... Thanks for all the well wishes.....they are much appreciated! I'm sure about now the tension is mounting for the Racers.....so let's all say a prayer that all goes well for "the Hudson boys" tomorrow! Till then, I'm keeping the homefires burning....
Hugs, Conne Hudson
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
Sorry to be late with the updates but the time difference and computer glitches were numerous over the weekend for the start of the Race..... The "Hudson boys" standings: Trophy Run -- #62, First Day (Sat.) --#44, Second Day (Sun.)#45.....out of 120 that started the Race! They are getting familiar with each other's instructions and as a first time navigator, Greg, is honing his skills learned from his son, Scott, who was an awesome competitor...... Their expectations were not "up there" for the first time together and "doing their BEST" is all we hope for -- for them!! Wishing them God speed, safe travels, and fun for their first Race together...... Keepin' the Home Fires Burning! Conne Hudson Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
(pic 1) Yesterday the "Hudson Boys" pulled into Chico, CA. -- from Nevada.....
(pic 2) It was a warm day -- in the high 80's -- but just look at the scenery! Spectacular!!
(pic 3) They even saw a depth of 3 foot of snow on the ground.....
(pic 4) Looks like the boys took a sharp turn on this roadway! Old STOVBOLT leans a bit here.....
(pic 5) Before they arrived at their destination there were a bunch of "delays" that everyone had to put in for and when talking to John last night..... not quite sure how the score would be for the day! Below is the crowd that turned out for them in Chico, CA.-- can you spot Car #60?
Online scores were posted and they come in with their best score yet! --- #18!!!!! Hurray!!!!!! As Greg would say, "It was just plain LUCK ".........:) but, having FUN and seeing lots of nice countryside...... They will be in Eureka, CA. -- tonight...... John calls every night from the road and sometimes I hear from he and Greg both! Wishing them a GREAT day with love..... "Keepin' the home fires burning"....... Hugs, Conne Hudson Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
(pic 1) The route Tuesday takes the Great Racers to Eureka, CA. The Car #60 STOVEBOLT looks pretty lonely going down the highway here......
(pic 2) But, just around the corner this piece of machinery may be in their lane and another calculation has to be made!
(pic 3) Today they were in the Giant Redwood Forest.....towering and awesome!
(pic 4) All racers were able to drive thru the giant redwood tree (some looked like a tight fit!)......
(pic 5) Here you can see the beautiful countryside with sparkling water and towering mountains of Northern California......
(pic 6) They are at their destination for the day here, each checking in thru the Great Race gate, picking up their score for the day and "goodie bag" provided by the town.....Look at the crowd that turned out for them!
Today's score was: #34 ...... When John called last night, he relayed that one leg of the route had been eliminated because "something was happening on their route that called out a "swat team" and they were turned around in the middle of the road to vacate the area??!!!!! It caused utter confusion with the Racers and many "delays" put in for --so they decided to "throw out" that leg entirely for everyone! The weather has changed drastically for the Racers --- instead of in the 90's it was only 55--60 degrees....a welcome relief!.....with a black car and no air-conditioning!!!! Safe travels everyone and may tomorrow bring more fun adventures!
"Keepin' the Home Fires Burning!"...... Conne Hudson Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Last edited by brewster; 06/30/1908:40 PM.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
Hi! All, Today's route takes them from Eureka, CA. To Grants Pass, Oregon! The route was with misty rain and fog in some areas......not good for the open cars!
Below is a pic from Tuesday's route taken by Greg out the front windshield on the inside of the mighty redwood tree they went completely thru......Notice the chiseling of the wood! (pic 1)
Today (Wed.) they went thru forest land and wildlife was most abundant.....Elk enjoying their breakfast! (pic 2)
Below you will see a "checkpoint" with two people......it is where the "legs" are scored as the vehicles pass by....notice the giant redwoods again.....and deep forest area..... (pic 3)
Here, the headlights tell the story....with misty rain and fog on their route..... (pic 4)
The one-lane bridge came up as they progressed on their way with a huge puddle at the end! (pic 5)
Another bridge they crossed over on their way.....a very dense wooded area...... (pic 6)
In the distance a more modern constructed bridge (train?).... (pic 7)
As you have seen in prior pic's, this Great Race structure is set up at each overnight stop with a crew specifically on board to do so....the Great Race is in the neighborhood of 500 people in its entourage! (pic 8)
This band played for everyone's enjoyment at Grants Pass......notice the eagle's nest with mother and baby.....in the background! (pic 9)
Today score: #6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They earned 2 ACES for this day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were elated to say the least......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS to BOTH RACERS -- JOHN & GREG It was a day to remember........OXOX Wishing them luck on their travels today and good weather too! Tonight they will arrive in Bend, Oregon by way of California......winding around on those back roads and highways.....
"Keepin' the Home Fires Burning" Conne Hudson Baldwinsville, New York
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
Well, today (Thurs.) was an interesting day! It was 35 degrees when the racers started their route with snow flurries in the air......!!!! There was "ice fog" at this elevation -- 7,000-8,000 ft......... (pic 1)
Look at the depth of that SNOW!!!!! YIKES!!!! (pic 2)
Later in the day the sun came out for the route around Crater Lake and Crater Lake park for their lunch stop...... The depth of Crater Lake is 2,000 ft.! Look how bright blue and clear the water is..... (pic 3)
Winding roads and the STOVBOLT making their way to the finish line for the day...... (pic 4)
Despite the cold temp's and misty rain there was a great turnout for the finish line in Bend, OR.! (pic 5)
Today's score: #27......one "leg" was troublesome today but others were Great.....
Very scenic area for today's drive.....Crater Lake.....where a volcano erupted making the lake......and surrounding areas......quite spectacular!
They are nearing the end of their racing with only Fri., Sat., and part of Sunday to go......they may throw out one of their day's scores in the final tallying of scores to arrive at their best FINAL score.....which may help them....and you may find, in some cases, an upset at the end!!!!! Only time will tell......
Good luck to all and may the "best of the best" win!
Lord, watch over them, keep them safe......
"Keepin' the Home Fires Burning" Conne Hudson Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Last edited by brewster; 06/30/1908:55 PM.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
Hi! All, Today's route takes the racers on "switchbacks" and elevation, which is difficult to keep your speed controlled! They started their journey today in Warm Springs, Oregon and travelled to Vancouver, Washington......... (pic 1)
These are the mountains that speed is very difficult to maintain! (pic 2)
Their lunch stop was at Hood River, Oregon at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum below......alotting more time for lunch than usual ....... (pic 3)
Also, at the Museum was a car show of which some of the neat cars are shown below..... (pic 4)
After lunch the racers drove the scenic highway along the Columbia River into Washington..... (pic 5)
Again, watch out for the wildlife traveling the highways also....!! (pic 6)
Here is a view of the winding highway and elevation climbs.... (pic 7)
Finally, crossing into the State of Washington!! (pic 8)
It was a long and tedious day for the racers before driving under the finish line..... (pic 9)
Today's score: #56 -- of which all were good except for the last leg.... :( So far, cumulative score is: #32 and as mentioned, they can throw out some "less than perfect" legs before the race end! We will just have to wait and see what the Finish brings.....!!
Their overnight stop tonight will be in Spanaway, Washington....just miles away from Tacoma, WA. -- the finish line for the 2019 Race! I am sure tensions are building about now for the top 10 racers this year....!!
Wishing ALL good luck on the last two days and safe travels.....
"Keepin' the Home Fires Burning".....
Conne Hudson Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Last edited by brewster; 06/30/1909:15 PM.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
Hi! All, Today was full of activities for the racers.....They started their day "on the mark" at Longview, Washington....the lunch host for the day......they followed the scenic roadways close to the Columbia River. The 1st pic was a nice shot of the STOVBOLT -- looked shiny & new, which we know it is NOT!! But, as John says, "from 10-15 foot away looks pretty good"....... :) (pic 1)
Crossing the Columbia River and crossing back into Oregon.... (pic 2)
Wandering on the roads to Astoria, Oregon for a rest break, quick snack and fellowship with the locals...... (pic 3)
The afternoon brought them back to Longview, WA.-- for lunch-- and the scenic highway displayed a perfect view of Mount Saint Helens...ending up at the LeMay Family Collections at Mary Mount....a very large collection of cars, trucks and many other items....to enjoy.... (pic 4)
This is the LeMay Collection ---- (HUGE)!!!! John said he could have spent several DAYS there and still not seen it ALL.....!!!! (pic 5)
Several floors...all kinds of vehicles..!! (pic 6)
Today's score: #22 with 1 ACE!!!!!!!!! Cumulative as of Sat. Night: #27 ---- Really Great for Greg's first-time navigating....!!!!!! Will they do it again....When the "dust settles"....we'll ask again.....
A half-day Sunday racing and then the final scores will come in.....and the banquet in the evening for the awards.....Has the week (10 days) come and gone already?!!!
Many friendships renewed and many new ones gained, good sportsmanship learned, repairs accomplished along with grueling days on the roads......always a rewarding and fun time for all involved!
Wishing everyone good luck with the final scores.....
"Keepin the Home Fires Burning,"
Conne Hudson Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Those accustomed to the finest...find it in Chevrolet. 1953 Belair Convertible 1951 2dr Deluxe Sedan 2015 GMC SLE 4X4
