The Great Race 2012
Taking It To The Streets
In June, the HVA will be taking their message to the masses as they enter the 2012 edition of the Great Race in an Olds 88.
To truly get a feel for the open road, the undying passion of classic car enthusiasts, spread to good word of its mission, and give back to society, the HVA team will be participating in the 2012 running of the Hemmings Motor News Great Race. First staged in 1983 by Tom McRae and Norman Miller and inspired by the 1965 film of the same name, the Great Race has seen hundreds of participants crisscrossing the country, racking up thousands of miles along the way in their classic cars.
This year’s edition begins in Traverse City, Michigan on June 23rd and finishes over a week later on the 1st of July in Dearborn, Michigan. Along the way, the team will pilot its way through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, documenting their progress along the way.
Driving the car will be the all-women team of HVA vice president and chief counsel Carmel Roberts and events coordinator Katy Jackson. The female pair plans to look the part while racing a 1954 Olds 88 around the Great Lakes, fashioning themselves in period-correct clothing and hairstyles. For Jackson, this will be her first experience with a manual transmission and undoubtedly a valuable learning experience. “Three on the tree” veteran Roberts will be providing her co-driver with tutorials on proper vehicle operation to ensure the team makes it smoothly from start to finish.
As its designated charity for the event, the HVA has chosen Autism Speaks. While some choose to participate in a 5k or walk, the HVA has decided to endeavor a new type of charitable race and time commitment to help support Autism Speaks and raise awareness of an affliction now affecting 1 in 110 children. For more information on autism and Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org. Donations to the HVA’s autism fundraiser can be made here.
The team will document its progress here and through the HVA’s Facebook page and Twitter account. Stay tuned for future Great Race updates from the HVA team and for more information on the Great Race please visit http://www.greatrace.com/.