We are pleased to announce that the Make-A-Wish Foundation is joining us as the Official Charity of the Great Race. The Foundation’s mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. This summer, the 25th Anniversary Great Race will be part of Make-A-Wish’s national “Share the Joy” Campaign as the “cross country cause caravan,” to raise awareness and money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event is the first effort in a multi-year, global partnership.

For 25 years, Great Racers have brought joy to fans across North America while helping create community involvement and free family entertainment at Great Race events. With the help of the Great Race, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be able to spread its message – that we all have the power to grant a wish – in communities across the country. Beginning this summer, Great Racers will join this endeavor, helping make wishes come true through our partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Founded in 1980 when a group of caring individuals helped a young boy with Leukemia fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer. Make-A-Wish is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world. Even though it has become one of the world's most well known charities, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has continued to maintain its grassroots fulfillment of its mission.

With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 148,000 wishes in the United States since 1980.

Over the next 4 years 100,000 children will be diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions and our goal is to help Make-A-Wish raise the resources necessary to grant those wishes.

A wish experience is frequently a source of inspiration for children undergoing difficult medical treatments and a positive force that helps them overcome their obstacles. A wish experience is often more than a dream come true: It’s the catalyst that rekindles their belief in themselves and the promise of their future. Over the next 4 years 100,000 children will be diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions and our goal is to help Make-A-Wish raise the resources necessary to grant those wishes.

For more information about this great organization, please go to www.wish.org

Great Race dedicates The 2007 Great American Race to the original Rally Partners

As we approach our 25th Anniversary, we are constantly hearing from Great Racers wanting to share stories about their favorite Great Race event, city stop, experience, classic car, or friendships made. Many have remembered back to the early years and the exploits of Great Race founders, Tom McRae, and Norm Miller, Chairman of Interstate Batteries. Many recognize the recent contributions the original Rally Partners have made including stories of selfless giving, unqualified support to repair a broken car, sharing of “tips and tricks,” most importantly, the sacrifice they made in stepping up with the financial support to keep the Great Race going.

In recognition of their contribution, we want to dedicate this year’s race to the original Rally Partners. Special thanks goes to Buck Kamphausen, Corky Coker, Curtis Graf, Dave Reeder, Dick Burdick, Gab Joiner, Gary Kuck, G.R. Pike, Jack Roush, Mike Dingman, and Wayne Stanfield. We hope that the 2007 Great Racers will take part in the 25th celebration and join us in recognizing the Partners for their contribution. It is their love of the Great Race that has made it richer for everyone.

Great Race staffer attempts record run on 1937 Harley Davidson

Learn more about Wayne “iron man” Stanfield’s attempt at conquering a 70 year-old record on a 1937 Harley. You can read more about if from our man on the scene, Corky Coker, CEO of Coker Tires. (Learn more)

Do you have any Great Race memories you would like to share?

In honor of our 25th anniversary, we’ve set up a web page where you can post your memories about past Great Race events, city stops, favorite car, or people. Mike Anderson the winning driver in the very first race has already posted a story. So has Great Race announcer, Brian “Motor Mouth” Goudge. Check it out. I’m sure you will find it terrific reading. (Learn more)