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GR+1: The Race Has Begun!

Today marked the official start of the 2015 Great Race. We took off from Kirkwood, MO in grand style with a dedicated parade and party in the downtown. From here on out we are on the clock.

The grand start in Kirkwood, MO

The grand start in Kirkwood, MO

Before leaving Kirkwood, we decided to do a few repairs on our car. The issue that bothered us the most was the glove box that never opened quite right. After some lubrication and adjusting by Austin Hiebert, it works like a dream!

Austin showing off the repaired glove box

Austin showing off the repaired glove box

 

The morning went pretty smooth with on section giving several great racers some issues. We did what we could to make up time and by lunch we felt pretty good.

Lunch and a warm welcome was kindly provided by the town of Rolla, MO. They fed the whole crew gourmet pizza before sending us out on our afternoon legs.

The team getting out for lunch in Rolla, MO

The team getting out for lunch in Rolla, MO

After a solid afternoon, we rolled into Springfield, MO for the nightly car show and dinner. When we pulled in, an Ace sticker, which is given to racers who have a perfect score on a leg, was passed to us. Our first one of the race on day number one no less!

 

Austin Hiebert, Navigator, and Jake O'Gorman, Driver, posing with the team's first ACE

Austin Hiebert, Navigator, and Jake O’Gorman, Driver, posing with the team’s first ACE

We hope to keep our times and car running consistent for tomorrow’s race day!

 

Goodnight from Springfield!