Great Race Day 1

Owensboro, KY to Lawrenceburg, IN

We started our 10th Great Race today. We love seeing all of our friends, and meeting new friends every year on the rally. We love the competition of the rally, but truly, the people and places we see are what make us return every year.

We started this morning with all 140 cars lined up on the river front in Owensboro. It was a warm morning, the Midwest was experiencing a big heat wave. Most people were seeking shade and water while we waited for the ceremonial start.

Like most sporting events we start with a few introductions, recognition is given to the local people who help put on the event, a prayer and a rendition of the Star Spangler Banner.

We were given two special treats. First, our friend JeanAnn gave the racers, their teams and all those involved a special prayer of safety throughout our travels. We then listened to a banjo player play My Old Kentucky Home and the National Anthem. No surprise we had a Blue Grass version, given that we were in the home of Blue Grass Music. What was surprising was how wonderful it sounded on a banjo. It was unlike any version we had ever heard. I wished we had recorded it. We just didn’t know what we were in for.

After the National Anthem , we returned to our cars and we were headed out to rally. We headed north toward Indiana.

We never tire driving through the agricultural areas of our country, the amber waves of grain, and the corn fields are always a beautiful sight. We are reminded that the people who work these fields are the people that feed us. When you see places like Kentucky and Indiana, you know why they are part of the Heartland.

We rallied for most of the day. We were feeling like luck was not on our side. It seemed we could not catch a break for a smooth leg. We used all the knowledge we have, and were so thankful for Barry our mentor. He taught us to think through the moments that were not smooth, and make the necessary adjustments.

We finished the day and stopped for gas. We had a little car issue, Brad was able to quickly get the car started and we went to the finish line in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Brad reached out to Mustang Country, and they immediately helped us resolve the issue. We are so grateful to Allan and Brandon for the quick troubleshooting, and great solution.

After the car was repaired we learned our friends Jean Ann and Gary won the day. We are rooting for Jean and Gary. They are strong competitors and have always helped us on the rally. We were so grateful for their friendship

We ended the day by preparing for Sunday. This rally is all about endurance. A good night sleep is an important part of that.

Thank you to Jimmy Morgan, a friend and the person responsible for dragging our things from Owensboro to Gardner, Maine. Thank you for all of your help, and making our car less jam-packed!

Thank you to Billy and Ronnie of McCollister’s for making another year on the rally. Billie retired from working with McCollister’s, but has come back to drive the sweep truck on the race. He is some kind of driver! We drive on very narrow windy roads, and he takes an 18 wheeler down these roads.

Thank you to McCollister’s we appreciate all you do for us and the Great Race!!!