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America’s biggest road rally is the Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Coker Tire and it’s coming to the New England Racing Museum (922 NH Rt 106N, Loudon, NH) on June 28. You can see the antique cars and meet the drivers at the museum from 11:45am until the last competitors depart at about 3pm. Twenty-seven participants are driving out of New England of the 120 entered vehicles. Nine are from Maine, six from Massachusetts, five from New Hampshire and Connecticut. Two are from Vermont. Parking is free and access to Great Race cars is free. The museum will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm. General admission is $15 and kids under 12 free. An exclusive lunch for rally participants and sponsors will take place in the museum.

Begun 41 years ago, Great Race is the premier United States road rally with antique cars in which timed arrival at check points is every driver and navigator’s goal. Arriving early or late costs points. The route is prescribed to those who are following instructions interpreted by each navigator. Cars built in 1974 or earlier are eligible to enter and are modified for safety but not performance. They are old cars, some very old but they sparkle for the event. This year a 1912 Haynes is the oldest car. The competitors are serious, there’s a $7,000 entry fee and a $50,000 winning prize. This year’s rally sold out and next year’s rally is already sold out.

In nine days the participants will travel to 19 cities, stopping in six New England cities/towns. The New England Racing Museum is the only New Hampshire stop and it’s only the second time ever Great Race has stopped in the Granite State. A previewing ceremony before the arrival of the cars will begin at 11:30am. Guests who wish to see the cars will be directed to parking as they enter museum property on Rt 106 in Loudon, NH.

Visitors can get up close to the cars, the drivers and navigators. There is no admission charge to experience this rare opportunity. Great Race has only been in New England twice in the last 10 years! The cars range from oddballs to one-of-a-kind that are beyond imagination so come ready to take pictures. Some competitors allow kids and adults who like to behave as kids to sit behind the wheel of their car.

This year an exceptionally large contingent of New England participants will compete. Racing supporter and 10-time Great Race participant Peter Prescott will be among the nine teams from Maine. Vermont’s Bill Josler will drive his 1929 Model-A Boat Tail Speedster.