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The Great Race drives into Ypsilanti

by | Jul 4, 2017 | History | 1 comment

The Hemmings Motor News Great Race zoomed in for a pit stop at Ypsilanti’s Depot Town to the delight of vintage car buffs.

Great Race 2017 - Depot Town-9

Hemmings Motor News Great Race

149 vintage automobiles poured on to Cross street in Depot Town for the sixth stop of the Hemmings Motor News Great Race. The race features pre-1972 automobiles manned by a driver and navigator. Each pair of racers started out in Jacksonville, FL and made their way along the backroads of America to the finish line in Traverse City, MI.

Great Race 2017 - Depot Town-4
Great Race 2017 - Depot Town-18

The Great Race has run since 1983. The race is less about high speed and more about precision. Teams are scored on how close they come to the perfect time for a given leg. The teams cannot not use a GPS or odometer, so they must stay sharp as they tool about the scenic byways.

Great Race 2017 - Depot Town-16

A great crowd of automotive enthusiasts was on hand to marvel at these fine cars and chat with the racers and their crews. Given Michigan’s long automotive history, it wasn’t a big surprise that this event was hit. Even Rosie the Riveter made a visit.

Great Race 2017 - Depot Town-25
Great Race 2017 - Depot Town-6

This stop on the Great Race was ideal given Ypsilanti’s close ties to many remarkable automobiles. Ypsilanti is also home to the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum, which pays tribute to Covair, Tucker, Hudson, Kaiser-Frazer, and Hydramatic vehicles.

Great Race 2017 - Depot Town-12

I’m not sure what it is about these old cars that fascinates me. Perhaps it is the bold lines or maybe it is just the local history that so many of these majestic machines embody. Regardless of the reason, it was great fun to peruse the classic rides of the Hemmings Motor News Great Race. Stop by our gallery for more pictures from the event.

Great Race 2017 - Depot Town-40

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