Main Street was lined with hundreds of spectators Thursday as crowds waiting to see the first cars roll through Fairport.
Excitement filled the air along with the rumbling of car engines as, one by one, the procession of vintage cars became visible.
The Great Race, held each year, draws drivers from all over the country. This was the first year it passed through Fairport.
It was a short homecoming for Doug and Howard Sharp, of Fairport, who are vying for their second win after taking first-place last year. Their car was the first to arrive, as they were met by loud cheers from the crowd.
Each of the more than 100 drivers must pass through a series of timed checkpoints, and the car with the best time is named the winner.
Thursday was the fifth day of the eight-day race, which wraps up on Sunday.
From Fairport, the drivers headed to Buffalo on their way to the Great Lakes, as they pass through Canada and four states along the way.
"I think it's fantastic," said Roy Thurston, who came from Greece to see the event. A classic car enthusiast, he is the owner of a red 1936 Mercedes convertible. "With the equipment they're using to navigate, it's unbelievable."
Each driver and their team was greeted by a volunteer host, who showed them where to eat and rest.
On such host was Jon Stadt, owner of Flour City Pasta, who brought his staff and family to host a racer.
"I volunteered because I thought it was a nice local event," said Stadt. "It's a great community event for Fairport."
He and his team hosted driver Jim Menneto and his navigator Mari Parizo, of Bennington, Vermont. Their car is a bright blue 1932 Ford Speedster. They also rode with several mechanics.
"It's been a scenic drive so far," said Parizo. "You see lots of people out waving."
Now that they're on their final leg of the race, she said Fairport had given them the biggest welcome they'd ever gotten.
Although the fanfare wasn't exactly peaceful, Parizo said she appreciated the warm reception.
"It's nice — you only need quiet when you're doing a checkup," she said with a smile.
To view a photo gallery of event click here.
Main Street was lined with hundreds of spectators Thursday as crowds waiting to see the first cars roll through Fairport.
Excitement filled the air along with the rumbling of car engines as, one by one, the procession of vintage cars became visible.
The Great Race, held each year, draws drivers from all over the country. This was the first year it passed through Fairport.
It was a short homecoming for Doug and Howard Sharp, of Fairport, who are vying for their second win after taking first-place last year. Their car was the first to arrive, as they were met by loud cheers from the crowd.
Each of the more than 100 drivers must pass through a series of timed checkpoints, and the car with the best time is named the winner.
Thursday was the fifth day of the eight-day race, which wraps up on Sunday.
From Fairport, the drivers headed to Buffalo on their way to the Great Lakes, as they pass through Canada and four states along the way.
"I think it's fantastic," said Roy Thurston, who came from Greece to see the event. A classic car enthusiast, he is the owner of a red 1936 Mercedes convertible. "With the equipment they're using to navigate, it's unbelievable."
Each driver and their team was greeted by a volunteer host, who showed them where to eat and rest.
On such host was Jon Stadt, owner of Flour City Pasta, who brought his staff and family to host a racer.
"I volunteered because I thought it was a nice local event," said Stadt. "It's a great community event for Fairport."
He and his team hosted driver Jim Menneto and his navigator Mari Parizo, of Bennington, Vermont. Their car is a bright blue 1932 Ford Speedster. They also rode with several mechanics.
"It's been a scenic drive so far," said Parizo. "You see lots of people out waving."
Now that they're on their final leg of the race, she said Fairport had given them the biggest welcome they'd ever gotten.
Although the fanfare wasn't exactly peaceful, Parizo said she appreciated the warm reception.
"It's nice — you only need quiet when you're doing a checkup," she said with a smile.
To view a photo gallery of event click here.
