The Great Race brought more than a thousand people downtown Wednesday night as an enthusiastic crowd lined Veterans Boulevard and greeted racers who were making their tenth stop on a journey from San Antonio, Texas to Greenville, South Carolina.
The Great Race is a test of drivers’ mental agility and endurance along with their car’s endurance. The racers are not able to use any technology, as they have to follow printed directions to checkpoints along the way trying to make the “perfect time” without going over.
The racers stopped for an overnight stay in Owensboro and were able to showcase their rides to the onlookers after they drove through the local checkpoint.
Owensboro resident Eran Bosley said she enjoyed getting to watch something that was on a national scale come to town.
Other families took the time to come down and enjoy the sun while checking out the cars themself.
Brandy Atherton said she brought her friends down because of the nice atmosphere and the ability to enjoy something unique to the community.
“Especially for a little one it’s unique for them to see old cars,” Atherton said. “I think that’s something that’s really cool. It’s an experience.”
Visit Owensboro President and CEO Mark Calitri said the main reason they wanted to bring the Great Race to Owensboro was to attract people and create a positive economic impact for the city — and they got more than expected.
“It exceeded our expectations,” Calitri said. “It was a win for Owensboro and Daviess County.”
Calitri said that everyone he talked to was enjoying the time, from the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum stage music to the racers enjoying the local stores, and he looks forward to applying for the Race to return next year.
