The Great Race

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: The Great Race
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roar Sand on Saturday, June 23, 2012 - 04:47 pm:

I attended the start of "The Great Race" in Traverse City, MI. this morning.
Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera, but there was a T-speedster there.
I looked at he head and asked if it was a "Z" head, which the driver acknowledged. He also said he had a Warford and an "A" crank. There wasn't time for more conversation.
Anybody know this car and the team?
Roar


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Saturday, June 23, 2012 - 05:25 pm:

According to this article, it is Scott Thams.

http://www.greatrace.com/news/1914-ford-model-t-great-race.html


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Saturday, June 23, 2012 - 05:57 pm:

Thanks for the link, Rob. Makes me wish for the good old days...

Amazingly, I recognize at least half the names on the list from when we ran in 1998, 99 and 2000. Some of them have changed cars, but they're still at it. Back then it was coast-coast, 4,000 miles over 14 days with a day of rest. It was a marathon for man and machine. There was little chance to really get to know the others, but the camaraderie was great. It has to be just as intense today.

Glad to see they have a long list of sponsors. Hope they defray some of the racers' costs.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roar Sand on Saturday, June 23, 2012 - 10:03 pm:

Thanks Rob!
Roar


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Saturday, June 23, 2012 - 11:57 pm:

A link showing a bit of the 98 Great Race. A few clips of Ralph, one with 1:10 remaining. Looks like an incredible event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yshKJdS0h-g&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 01:15 am:

Thanks, Rob. Boy, do they have that screwed up. The 1997 race was from Sonoma to to J'ville. 1998 was Tacoma to Haverhill (Boston). The shot of us at :16 was in Tx in the '99 race, Atlanta to Anaheim. This looks like a composite of several years.

They gave us a 16 minute tape at the end of the '99 race, and I extracted the stills of our portion of it.



They say the 1907 Renault is the oldest car to ever enter the race. I believe there was a 1906 or 1907 Mercedes in one or two of the early years.

Get at least a thousand shakedown miles on that K, Rob, and you and Holly can have a real Great time in next year's race!

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 10:10 am:

Ralph,

Do you know of other YouTube videos showing your car in any of the races?

If so, please post them. It would be great to hear about your exploits (and challenges) again. Also, it will give us some ideas of what Scott's race is like.

Also, I saw the cars in Lincoln NE years ago, were you on one of the races that stopped in Lincoln?

Thanks,

Rob

From my iPad.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Eyssen - Abilene TX on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 10:19 am:

As Ricks knows, the GR is one of the most exciting things one can do in the old car hobby. And years ago, it was one of the toughest when many of the entrants were older vehicles. I navigated the 1916 Buick speedster in 92 and 93 when in 92 it was the poster car.
I, like Ricks, recognize many of the current entrants, and I congratulate Corky for keeping the event alive. If one has an opportunity to run it, the GR will provide lots of memories.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 10:57 am:

I haven't done much Utubing, Rob, so don't know what's out there. The Hist Chnl did a show in 2000, and they interviewed us a lot, because they were sure we would be dropping out after DNF the first two days. We finished, and were not in the show at all.. That was back when their goal was to show grown men crying. Maybe they're still that way, although faked arguments have been the recent vogue.

Yes we stopped in Lincoln in 2000. It all runs together. Can't remember if this is Lincoln or Omaha, but I think it's Lincoln.




As doctored by Doc Horlick...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 11:23 am:

Did you notice, Tim, over half the DNF the first day were sixties cars? That included Wayne Carini of "Chasing Classic Cars" and a Haggarty.

Age handicap for scores is what makes the Greatrace work. That, and mostly simple rules for age. Here's how it was in our era:

With few exceptions, the parts must be original, or available in the year of handicap, or available as a factory replacement, such as a T block. When we changed from a flathead to the Fronty in 2000, our handicap went from 1915 to 1923.

Tires and wheels must be original size, or available in the year.

Carb for pre-1930 cannot be downdraft. Intake manifold must be original or in year.

Unlike the MT500, internal mods don't matter, and there is no teardown afterwards.

Safety requirements: seatbelts and turn signals. They didn't require mirrors, and should have.

4-wheel drum hyd brakes allowed on all cars prior to discs. Lack of front brakes is going to make it tough for Scott. You'll want to seriously consider that, Rob, although the K isn't as bad off as a Speedster with rear only brakes. A guy who ran 1999 in a 1918 Packard with original brakes in a special "original" class swore never again.

Alternators are allowed, as they like you to run your headlights all day for pic purposes. If I had known availability at the time, I would have stayed with a 12v generator.

I could go on and on.

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Eyssen - Abilene TX on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 03:52 pm:

Ricks:
The "Old Guard" just keeps showing 'um how its done!!!
Guts and Glory, and full speed ahead. This thread and the photos are sure bringing back lots of memories. Even found a photo of the Buick by U Tubing "Great American Race 1992".


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stroud on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 03:56 pm:

Ralph, did the race go through Falls City NE. back then? My late friend Bill Brandon (he's the guy with me on my profile picture)and I went over there several years ago to see it. Dave


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 04:14 pm:

Found this pic of Scott:



They could have shown less tree and more car.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 04:21 pm:

Hope you're not too late, Tim:
-------------

1916 Buick Speedster For Sale!

April 27, 2012

Is the Great Race on your bucket list but you don’t have an old car to participate in, well how about this 1916 Buick Speedster that Great Race veteran Bryan Dickson has for sale. And it’s a steal at only $15,000.



Click the picture at http://www.greatrace.com/news/buick-speedster.html for MORE pictures of the car!

We are not talking about your basic Model A here. Through the years the age limit on the Great Race has been raised to where you can compete in a vehicle today as new as 1969. But to get that age factor that helps with winning the event, many folks have gone back to the pre-1920s automobiles.

Just in the race this year we have a 1907 Renault, a 1914 Model T, three 1916 Hudsons, a 1916 Packard, a 1917 Peerless and a 1917 Hudson. And last year’s event was won by a 1911 Velie.

Here’s some information on the vehicle:

- Engine: inline OHV six cylinder, 224 cu in, 45 BHP
- Speedster body on 115 in wheelbase
- Three speed transmission (no over-drive), shaft drive
- Rear only brakes
- Electrical is 6v+12v (Two 6v batteries are wired in series and parallel so the 6v stuff can run and the 12v stuff can run too)
- Both regular plate windshield and monocle screen too.
- This car ran 1995 Canada to Mexico Great Race and finished
- Car does 55+ mph; ready to go.

Here is a list of items repaired/upgraded while Bryan has owned it:
Rear diff, pressure check radiator, rebuilt water pump, updated to 6v/12v system , upgraded gauges (water temp), upgraded speedo to Timewise – the car is wired for a Timewise (car comes with sensor, bracket, magnets, wires, etc.), but the speedo does not come with the car).

You can reach Bryan at info@aerotac.com or 214-454-7417 if you are interested in the car.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 04:33 pm:

I sure don't remember Falls City, David. When you drive all day, have the car on display in the evening, then work on it until zero dark thirty, there's a lot you don't remember.

I have a cousin there I'll be meeting for the first time next month, in Oregon.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stroud on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 04:50 pm:

Ralph, if you don't mind, send me your cousin's name. My sister and brother in law live in Falls City. He grew up in Dawson and worked for the local Firestone dealership for thirty five years. There aren't many people around there that he doesn't know. Dave


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 04:56 pm:

Get this, David: I don't know Thelma's last name. Her maiden name was Jamison, and she grew up on a ranch just south of Thedford. She is about 70. Her brother, Larry, still has the ranch. We visited there when I was ten, and Thelma was off to church camp or something.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Eyssen - Abilene TX on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 05:09 pm:

Ricks:
That's IT!!!!! What a ride. Thanks.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 05:16 pm:

Ralph,

Yes, that is the Haymarket area in Lincoln. I was on the right, probably just right of the photo. It was quite impressive when the cars came in. I happened to be interviewed by the Lincoln Journal Star about watching the cars come in.

I probably met you, but I was like a kid in a candy store seeing all the cars, and don't remember many specifics. I didn't have any "old cars" yet........

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 05:53 pm:

Small world, huh, Rob? I met Dean Yoder in Iowa City that year, and Dick Lodge met us on all three races we did.

Now's your chance to put Holly's plastic Chebbie to some good use: learning to rally. You can find SCCA rallies somewhere, I'm sure.

There also used to be the Sugar Valley Rally for old cars, somewhere in Neb. It might be in July.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 11:26 pm:

Ralph,

I like the idea of using the K better than the Chebby. Looks like quite an accomplishment. Wasn't there a T without a navigator one year?

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 11:35 pm:

No,no, Rob, I meant using the Chebby for SCCA events where all the competitors are in modrens. That's just to get rally training for the GR. Yeah, there was a single seat T, from Albuquerque one or two years, and Wayne Stanfield won top prize by himself on a 1937 Harley, from Ottowa to Mexico City. He taught navigation, and maybe still does.

Has anybody put a self-commencer on a K? In the excitement of the moment you could kill the engine, and lose precious seconds hand-cranking.

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 11:57 pm:

I found the story. An old T dirt track racer, owned/driven by Rossi Morris:

http://www.nwvs.org/Technical/MTFCA/Articles/3003GreatAmericanRace.pdf

As for a starter on a K, yes, ours has one. Originally I was going to leave it off, but Dean has convinced me to leave it on. I hope I don't get in the habit of using it (not hand cranking).

Rob

From my iPad


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Trevan - Australia on Monday, June 25, 2012 - 12:08 am:

My doctors parting words after my three hernia operation was-- BOB fit one to the K -N-Ac & T or don't come back complaining i did not fix you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Monday, June 25, 2012 - 08:32 am:

You'll be glad to have the starter, Rob, if the engine is prone to killing at the wrong time, like in an intersection. Does the car have a generator, too?

Unfortunately, Scott was DNF yesterday. Something went wrong by the second timed leg of the day.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Friday, June 29, 2012 - 04:12 pm:

Great to have the Forum back!

Scott is out of the race, but appears to be going along at the rear in Touring Class, which is for non-competitors.



Got these off www.greatrace.com . . The second pic was from the 27th.

There seems to be an accident a year. The '29 A roadster of the Hedkes from Santa Clarita, Calif, was rearended and turned over yesterday. They were injured, but sounds like not badly. Their daughter was in the rumbleseat. The Hedkes were first on the circuit in 1999 or 2000.

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Thomas Mullin on Monday, July 09, 2012 - 10:28 am:

Motor Cities newsletter has a picture of the winning car - the 1907 Renault.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Monday, July 09, 2012 - 10:45 am:

The motto of the Greatrace is, "To Finish is to Win." The Renault finished.

Results are at Greatrace.com

Motormouth, whose blogs are on the site, was the announcer at every lunch and night stop, and maybe some pit stops, too. He started with GR in about 1999.

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Monday, July 09, 2012 - 10:30 pm:

Thanks Ralph. Are you getting motivated to do it again :-).

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Monday, July 09, 2012 - 11:46 pm:

It's a Great adventure, Rob, but I have more urgent uses for my money.

Think you can talk Holly into it? A husband wife team won this year.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 12:18 am:

We might start out together, however by the finish............ :-)


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