Rev your engines, boys and girls. Cape Girardeau is an overnight stop for the Great Race again in 2020. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 25.

What is The Great Race?

The Great Race is a cross-country road trip where pairs of drivers and navigators work against the clock and each other. Instead of going faster than the other guy, teams instead aim for accuracy. They are banned from using GPS devices and odometers as they cruise through America’s backroads in classic cars. The goal of each team is to arrive at a designated spot as close to their designated time as possible, meaning they’ll have to drive at or below posted speed limits.

The route changes each year. This year the race starts in San Antonio, Texas and finishes in Greenville, South Carolina, with stops in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina.

Participating vehicles must be models from 1974 or earlier, which is what makes the race so entertaining and challenging. Teams must showcase their mastery without the assistance of modern technology.

We must defend our title!

In 2013, Cape Girardeau won the Best Overnight City Award, and it was the first time the race had ever touched our city’s streets. Over 5,000 spectators came out to see the cars on their arrival day, signifying the town’s legendary hospitality.

From Broadway to Main Street, folks admired the classic cars and invited Great Race participants all over to ensure they had a good meal and a good time. The participants loved the downtown area and expansive shopping opportunities.

Let’s make it two for two, and show the racers that while we’ve had a lot of revitalization since 2013, we haven’t lost our personal touch. If you manage a business, stay tuned for additional chances to promote a welcome party!

Be sure to get there early so you can grab a great spot to watch the cars drive in. More information is coming soon!