2023.6.24 / Great American Race 2023
For weeks it was on our calendar to head out to Francis Field for the Great American Race 2023 – over 120 Vintage Cars lining up for a 9 day ‘time trial’ race from St. Augustine, FL to Colorado Springs, CO. We love old cars, we always say “when cars were cars”, so we were really looking forward to this event.
It was raining all week, so we were happy to see the forecast of a nice sunny morning. The cars were amazing, ranging from the early 1900’s thru the early 1970’s. You could see the love and care put into preserving these vehicles. They are truly works of art.
The details of these cars are amazing.
One of the most unique vehicles was a 1918 American LaFrance Speedster. After speaking with the owners, we learned that this was originally a firetruck. What made this vehicle interesting was the chain drive on both rear wheels. When it first came in, it was chugging along and backfiring.
This was the first time we heard about this race, apparently the first one was in 1983 and originated at Knott’s Berry Farm near Los Angeles, CA and ended in Indianapolis, IN with a different route every year. We were told that the 2024 route will be from Kentucky to Maine. You can read all about the race on their website. You can follow the 2023 race daily there.
Around 11:30AM they started to line up for the first leg of the race. Exiting Francis Field was more ceremonial as they headed out to the first checkpoint where their time would begin.
On our way back home we decided to stop for a beer and sandwich at Ann O’Malley’s. No pics of the sandwiches but take my word for it, they make the best sandwiches. I had the Turkey Club and Philip had the Corned Beef Reuben. Simple straight forward sandwiches, served with a pickle and a bag of chips. And you can order either a whole or half sandwich. Which I happen to love.
Guinness is Good!
And then we walked home and got in just before the rain. I felt a little bad for the race drivers as some were driving convertibles, without tops…I am guessing they got wet.
It was a good Saturday.
Ciao,
Philip and Dee
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