Cruising into town – Crowd greets racers
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Once motorists reached Court Square, they were greeted by the big sound of the Silver & Gold Band. They drove under a banner that read ‘Welcome to the Nursery Capital of the World,’ and an enormous flag supported by two firetrucks.
McMinnville Electric System CEO Rodney Boyd says The Great Race chose McMinnville for a reason.
‘I think it’s a great opportunity to show off our city,’ Boyd said. ‘When they ran the route originally to decide where they were going to stop, they came to McMinnville. They saw what we had done with downtown, and they said we want to stop here, and here they are. This has been a great opportunity for us to show off what we’ve done downtown.’
Tom Coad, driver, and Gary Poland, navigator, both from Anaheim, Calif., in car No. 55, a 1921 Paige Hill Climber, said they have been enjoying this year’s race.
‘It’s been interesting,’ Coad said. ‘Had a little rain yesterday. Got us lost in a maze, that was fun. But it’s been good, been a good run.’
‘We’ve done it before,’ Poland chimed in. ‘This is our 16th year. We’re gluttons for punishment,’ he added with a grin. ‘Let’s just say we’re veterans.’
Wes Messick, navigator and mechanic from Ft. Collins, Colo., and driver Rodney Rucker from Winslow, Ariz., of car No. 100, a 1964 Peterbilt 359, said Warren County’s hospitality is impressive.
‘We started off three days ago in Concord, N.C.,’ Messick said. ‘It’s been warm, but it’s been a fun time. We really love the hospitality out here, it’s been really great. We never heard of McMinnville before, but we’re glad we didn’t miss it.’
County Executive John Pelham talked about how the community rallied behind the event.
‘It’s a wonderful day,’ Pelham said. ‘A special thanks goes out to all our volunteers and our sponsors that made this event possible. It’s been great to stand here and greet the folks, and a lot of them have commented to myself and the mayor that they were going to vote for us as the best pit stop. Most of the comments I have heard have been about the hospitality here, that the hospitality has been great.’
Main Street director Chris Wilson was enthusiastic about the crowd the race drew to downtown.
‘It’s going fantastically well,’ Wilson said. ‘What can you say? Look at all these great people out here. It’s a wonderful event where everyone can see some fantastic cars. It’s great to talk to the racers too. They have a lot of stories to tell.
McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport agreed with the general consensus.
‘It’s a unique opportunity,’ Davenport said. ‘A great thing for our community. We’ve got a lot of good ambassadorial things going on today.’