GREAT RACE - GREAT SUCCESS - GREAT FUN
South Winds Corvette Club served as the Ambassadors for the 2006 National Guard Great Race as the participants came through Wichita on Friday evening, June 30. It was the first time since 1985 that this historic event's route brought it through our City. It turned out to be a tremendous success, as according to the article below about 10,000 spectators came out to see the racers and the car show. We not only heard comments from drivers and team members about the well organized and friendly reception they received, but also from the Great Race organizers as well. One of their representatives said "you guy's beat them all... St. Louis, Indy, all of them so far". Thanks to all of the South Winds members who made this a truly memorable occassion! Here are some pictures of the event and the "patriotic flag-waving send off" Saturday morning courtesy of Dave and Janet D (and their son) along with a few pictures from the Great Race's website and the article from that site. ALSO, CHECK OUT THE SLIDE SHOWS FROM THE EVENT ON THE ASSOCIATED CAR CLUBS OF KANSAS CITY'S WEBSITE BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS SECTION ON THE RIGHT SIDE!!
WICHITA CROWD CHEERS ON GREAT RACE FINISH
WICHITA, KS, June 30, 2006 - The competition in the 2006 National Guard Great Race is shaping up to be the most contentious in 24 years of Great Race competition. 13 year-old navigator Sawyer Stone and his Grandfather Dave Reeder have a firm hold on first place, but behind them are a number of contenders itching to capitalize on the leaders first mistake.
As the race finished today in Wichita, KS, before 10,000 enthusiastic Great Race fans, a new contender emerged with designs on the $100,000 first place prize. Steve and Janet Hedke, From Saugus, CA surprised everyone, winning the day with a score of 7.79 seconds, their first daily victory.
The Hedke's are competing in a 1929 Ford "Dry Lakes" Roadster, based on designs made popular in the 1940's. The classic Ford's "Souped-up" engine has an age factor that is the equivalent of a 1940's car, not the 1929 age it could have.
"There's a fine balance between performance, reliability and a good age factor," said Hedke. "We chose this Ford because we wanted the performance of a hot-rod and the versatility of a early Fords." In Great Race competition, the age factor "handicaps" competing automobiles based on their age, in an attempt to level the playing field between the newer cars and the early model machines.
A crowd of 10,000 people came out to cheer on tonight's finish in downtown Wichita. "We're excited to be here and welcome the National Guard Great Race to Wichita," said Carl Brewer, City Council member, District 1. "We're happy to make it their halfway point. The race hasn't been here since 1985. We're here to give the racers a warm welcome, and encourage them to come back soon."
A local favorite is the X-Cup team from Lawrence Kansas. "Team Kansas" rolled into town in their 1957 Chevrolet 4-door Bel Air, 'Jenny' as they call her. They are in second place in the X-Cup division, with an overall score of 1:12.08, close behind "Team Walla Walla" of Walla Walla, Washington.
"Jenny has been running us to the Promise Land since we left Philly. Now, if she can only make it to California, we're good," said Ryan Spencer, navigator for the team.
Another interesting competition is going on within the race. Two National Guard teams are constantly challenging each other for the better score. Today, 2006 Torino Winter Olympics Silver Medalist Shauna Rohbock and navigator Mike Kohn, Bronze Medalist in the men's bobsled in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics finished with a score of 33.10 seconds.
"We were all over the shop, so I'm a little surprised to see that score. It's hard to stay on course sometimes, but we were able to keep the needle right on the correct speed," said Rohbuck.
Although they finished with a good score, there was some frustration between the two Olympians as they almost missed a turn. But they were able to recover and finish ahead of the other National Guard team which includes 5-year veteran of the U.S. Men's National Snowboard Team, Ryan McDonald.
"We missed the last checkpoint because of a wrong turn. It's a frustrating end to the day, but we have plenty more opportunities to beat Mike and Shauna," said McDonald.