Congratulations Beth Knowles Gentry and Jody Knowles in winning the 2017 Great Race. Well deserved!
It was an exciting finish to the Great Race 2017 in Traverse City, Michigan. We have never seen such a large crowd and it was truly memorable. Congratulations to Beth Knowles Gentry and Jody Knowles for their first place finish in car 66, a 1932 Ford Cabriolet. As they say, to finish is to win on this 120 car, 2,600 mile, 7 state journey. The Spirit of Stahls teams did very well, with Trevor and Josh finishing in 5th place in the expert class and 7th overall. Brett and Dan also had an excellent finish, in spot 25. Dom and Kevin, despite their troubles during the first few days still managed to finish in place 60. But it’s really not about the numbers. It’s so much more. Just being able to participate is its own reward. Mary and I are very happy all three remaining Spirit of Stahls cars made it to Traverse City. We are very thankful to everyone who supported us along the way and everyone who followed along back home. It is truly a special experience and we are humbled by all the friendship and camaraderie. The Thunderbird airshow that we witnessed reminds us how lucky we are to live in this great country. With the fourth of July coming up, it is made even more special. Congratulations one more time to everyone who finished and to those who didn’t quite make it…there’s always next year. We hope to see you for the Great Race 2018. Next year’s race will start Saturday, June 23, 2018, and finish in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Sunday, July 1.
We are more than humbled to have received the Spirit of the Event award for the Great Race 2017. Thank you for this tremendous honor.
A special thank you to Tony Corrigan for helping not only the Spirit of Stahls teams but anyone along the way that needed assistance. That’s the spirit of the Great Race.
We are speechless. Very thankful, but speechless.
Congratulation to Josh and Trevor on their awards.
Leaving Sault Ste. Marie, heading into the Upper Pennisula, officially Northern Michigan.
Pure Michigan.
Heading into Petoskey. Petoskey is known for Petoskey stones. A Petoskey stone is a rock and a fossil, often pebble-shaped, that is composed of a fossilized rugose coral. They are unique and beautiful.
Traverse City is one of America’s true gems.
The crowd in Traverse City was outstanding. One of the biggest we’ve ever seen.
Traverse City Great Race fans awaiting the finishers.
12 Aces total for the Stars and Stripes. 4 more than last year! Fantastic finish for Josh and Trevor. 5th in expert class. 7th overall.
Car 17, the 1941 Packard, finishes another Great Race. Dan and Brett arrive in Traverse City. 25th overall. Very excellent finish! Congratulations!
Dan and his family are happy to be together at the Great Race finish in Traverse City.
The trophies for the winners and finishers of the Great Race 2017.
With Scott and Melissa Winn in Traverse City at the Great Race finish. Scott was involved in Detroit’s unlimited hydroplane races with us for 25 years as the radio man on the medical boat in the center of the race course. Thanks so much for coming out to cheer us on, and the beautiful view of the Thunderbird Air show and the awesome spread you put on for our family. Most of all the laughable stories of the past.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support us!
Finished with the Great Race and ready for July 4th!
At the finish line, it’s all about the smiles. We look forward to next year!