For those who don't know, I LOVE old cars. When we learned The Great Race was coming to Gardnerville, we just had to go. Steve and Laura joined in the merriment.

While waiting for the racers to arrive at Lampe park, we partook of the 19th Annual Big Mama’s Show & Shine Classic Car Show. Oh man!
There was something for everyone at this varied and wonderful display.


I think we had this Chevy when I was a kid.
I loved this completely original Mariposa County Sheriff's car, with a photo of it in actual use in the early 1960s. Wild.

I have a soft spot for the underdog. This 1964 Chevy Nova was so original, it lists its color as patina.
It also proclaims it is NOT a Rat Rod (defined as a custom car with a deliberately worn-down, unfinished appearance, typically lacking paint, showing rust, and made from cheap or cast-off parts). I appreciated its acceptance for what it is. No cosmetic surgery for this old-timer.
I also appreciated the custom license plates and vintage bumper stickers.










Big Mama's is a judged Car Show. How cool are the trophies awarded the winners?!
Okay, now the main event... The Great Race. Named for the 1965 feature film comedy starring Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood, Peter Falk and Tony Curtis, the event has grown exponentially in popularity since its founding by Tom McRae in 1983. 



Officially a time/speed/distance rally open to any automobile built in 1974 or earlier, teams consisting of a driver and navigator are given precise route instructions – down to the second – each day. Arriving at a check point too early or too late results in a penalty, and the goal is to finish the event with as few penalties (and hence, the lowest score) as possible.
This is a 2,300 mile, 9 day race with 120 cars participating. Some of the vehicles are over 100 years old. All are vying for a $50,000 prize.