Every June, Mary and I find ourselves following the Great Race with the same excitement we’ve had for years. Even though we are no longer participating ourselves, we follow along online and with updates from family and friends. There is simply nothing else like it. Hundreds of towns, thousands of smiling spectators, incredible antique automobiles, lifelong friendships, and one unforgettable adventure across America. Stahls Auto Collection is always proud to be a sponsor.
This year made us especially proud.
A Fantastic Finish
Congratulations to Trevor Stahl and his driving partner, Buddy Green, on winning the 2026 Hemmings Great Race. Watching their preparation, dedication, teamwork, and consistency throughout nine challenging days reminded us that success in the Great Race comes one checkpoint at a time. They represented our family, our sponsors, and everyone who appreciates these historic automobiles with professionalism, determination, and class.
We’re equally proud of Dan Stahl and his driving partner, Jack Pontius, who piloted the historic 1916 Hudson Speedster throughout the rally. On one of the most demanding days of the event, they won Stage 8 with an outstanding score of just 7.92 seconds. Considering the difficult weather and challenging course conditions, that accomplishment speaks volumes about their preparation, precision, and teamwork. It also highlights the remarkable engineering and enduring spirit of a 110-year-old automobile that continues to impress.
Challenging Conditions
The weather tested every team this year. Rain, changing road conditions, and long days behind the wheel made every checkpoint more demanding than the last. Those conditions challenged timing, concentration, navigation, and every decision drivers and navigators made throughout the rally. Every team adapted and stayed focused on precision instead of speed.
That brings us to something many people don’t realize about the Great Race.
Despite its name, the Great Race isn’t actually a race. It’s a time-speed-distance rally where teams strive to reach each checkpoint at the exact assigned time. Arrive early, and you receive penalties. Arrive late, and you receive penalties. Teams win through precision, consistency, teamwork, and thousands of accurate decisions over more than 2,300 miles—not by driving the fastest.
That’s what makes the Great Race one of the most unique and rewarding automotive events in the world.
The Spirit of the Great Race
Of course, antique automobiles have personalities all their own.
This year, Brett Stahl and his son Noah had to withdraw midway through the rally after mechanical issues ended their run. Anyone who owns or drives vintage automobiles understands that unexpected breakdowns come with the territory. Sometimes the cars remind us who’s really in charge.
Knowing Brett and Noah, they’ll remember the people they met, the places they visited, and the time they spent together far more than the disappointment of leaving the rally early. That’s the spirit of the Great Race. People don’t enter this event because it’s easy. They enter because they love the cars, the challenge, the friendships, and the adventure.
For Mary and me, that’s always been the heart of the Great Race. We love seeing generations come together—grandparents, parents, children, friends, navigators, mechanics, volunteers, and spectators all become part of one extended family. The Great Race creates friendships that last long after the trophies have been handed out.
We’re incredibly proud of Trevor, Buddy, Dan, Jack, Brett, Noah, and every competitor who accepted this year’s challenge. Winning the overall rally deserves tremendous recognition, but every team that reaches the starting line deserves admiration for taking on this incredible journey.
To everyone who organized the event, welcomed the competitors into your communities, volunteered along the route, and cheered from the sidewalks—thank you. You make the Great Race one of America’s greatest automotive traditions.
Congratulations to Trevor and Buddy on an unforgettable championship, congratulations to Dan and Jack on their outstanding Stage 8 victory, and congratulations to every team that demonstrated the passion, perseverance, and camaraderie that define the Great Race.
We can’t wait to see where the road leads next.
— Ted & Mary Stahl
Congratulations on the win of the Great Race 2026 to Trevor Stahl and Buddy Green. Amazing achievement.
Dan Stahl and Jack Pontius going through the desert in Joshua Tree, California under brutal conditions.