Have you heard of The Great Race? Inspired from the original Great Race of 1908 from New York to Paris, the modern Great Race was reimagined by Tom McRae and Norman Miller in 1983. The Great Race is a premier vintage, controlled-speed endurance rally for pre-1972 vehicles, designed to test driver/navigator precision rather than top speed. Featuring cross-country routes, it was again revitalized in 2011 by Corky Coker of Coker tires along with an assist from Hemmings and Hagerty. A thorough history of the Great Race can be found HERE with a very interesting video of the original 1908 race HERE. Spoiler alert, no Corvairs in the 1908 race.
Last year, however, a white 1966 Corsa convertible was spotted in the race. Curious, CORSA reached out to the team to learn more. The Corvair and its team were part of the X-Cup series with sponsorship and mentorship by the Owls Head Transportation Museum located in Owls Head, Maine.
Anyone who meets the criteria can enter the great race, but what made the Owls Head team special (aside from their fantastic taste in cars) was that they were all first timers on the X-Cup circuit. The team finished third overall in the X-Cup, which is a remarkable feat for a first time team of students.
X-Cup Legacy exists to empower the next generation of innovators through the student division of The Great Race. They connect high school, technical college, and university students with opportunities to build, restore, and drive vintage vehicles in a one-of-a-kind endurance rally. To learn more about the X-Cup Legacy, click HERE.
From the team:
Jenny Gold – Navigator
“Crossing old railroad bridges and winding through Kentucky back roads felt like stepping back in time. I’ll never forget racing through a thunderstorm in corn country—it pushed me to stay focused and trust my teammates. I came away more confident, not just as a navigator, but as a person. Meeting other teams and sharing strategies made this experience unforgettable.”
Oliver Grierson – Navigator
“This race showed me the true meaning of teamwork. Every state brought new challenges—from wide-open plains to mountain curves—and every day required us to adapt. I learned to trust Desmond and Jenny, to stay sharp, and to never give up. The community spirit—helping and being helped—was just as powerful as the competition. I’ll carry that with me for life.”
Desmond “Dez” Gonzalez – Driver
“One of the most unforgettable moments happened in the middle of a Minnesota farm road as a thunderstorm rolled in. The wind rocked our little Corvair, trees bent like balloon men, and lightning lit up the horizon. For a moment it felt like we were in Twister—but we held course, laughing in awe as a brilliant bolt exploded ahead of us. Driving through West Virginia’s New River Gorge State Park felt like stepping into a vintage postcard. The switchbacks, the hills, and trailing a ’70 Oldsmobile in our Corvair was pure magic. Add in car shows, interviews, and even offers of help from strangers—it was a blend of history, adventure, and community that I’ll never forget. Beyond the scenery, I learned navigation, problem-solving, and how to stay sharp under pressure. It wasn’t just a road trip. It was growth, laughter, and once-in-a-lifetime memories, one thunderstorm and mountain pass at a time.”
This year, the Great Race will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with a race from Illinois to California. The Corvair Preservation Foundation and CORSA have connected with the team to offer sponsorship and support. In fact, the team will be meeting with CPF president Larry Claypool at the start of this year’s race.
You can read all about the team, last year’s race and looking ahead to this year’s race in this month’s Communique Magazine. The magazine is available to CORSA members in print or as a digital download. To join CORSA, click HERE.
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