The Great Race 2022 Warwick, RI to Fargo, ND

We kicked off the Great Race last night with a reception in Warwick, Rhode Island. The reception was hosted by a local man by the name of Dick Shappy. Dick has been very generous with the rally. He opened his home and auto museum to the approximately 300 people who are participating in this year’s event. Dick also has one of the finest vintage motorcycle collections.

Dick’s home is located on the Narragansett Bay, and the views are phenomenal. His large lawn not only hosted the 300 plus people, but about 50 of the cars that will be participating in The Great Race. There were also several of his personal cars on the lawn.

The evening was festive with a live band, food trucks and visiting with friends we have made over the years. Dick was also kind enough to share his vintage motorcycle collection.

Today, we started early for registration and tech inspection. This year is the largest group of cars the rally has ever seen. Traditionally, the rally allows 100 cars. This year the rally has 135 entries. This seems insignificant, but we start one minute apart. This means the last car will finish two hours after the first car.

The cars are a variety of vintage cars. The oldest cars are from the early 1900s and the newest cars are as late as 1974. Cars are given a factor(handicap) based on age. The newer cars (post 1950s) do not get a factor. This is a new rule, so “modern cars have to run a cleaner rally”.

This afternoon we had a meet and greet with our new sponsor, McCollister’s Auto Transport. They are based out of New Jersey and ship cars all over the country. They have a fantastic team of people. Jane was shipped with them in May from California to Delaware for a warm up rally. After the rally, McCollister’s brought her up the coast where we picked her up. We are excited to represent McCollister’s and be their goodwill ambassadors.

The adventure is just beginning, we look forward to sharing this year’s experiences….