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GR+9: San Bernadino, CA to Santa Monica, CA

Today marked the final day of The Great Race.

We set out from San Bernadino, CA up into the mountains to begin the day. This was to be only a half day of racing with the lunch stop being our daily finish before our official grand finish at Santa Monica, CA.

The morning proved tough on many cars with steady hill climbs followed by long and winding drops. You could smell our brakes for the whole second half of the morning!

Our lunch stop was at the famous and spectacular Neathercutt Automotive Collection. This collection covered almost 100 years and encompassed the most sought after and rare automobiles from years past. We enjoyed the cars and even the wonderful assortment of music machines and orchestrals.

The Grand Salon at the Nethercutt Collection

The Grand Salon at the Nethercutt Collection

 

After lunch we set about in parade formation to the official race finish line on Santa Monica Pier.

The finish in Santa Monica

The finish in Santa Monica

Once we crossed the line, a sense of relief washed over us. We made it all the way from Kirkwood, MO.  Tallying up the odometer, we surmised that the Fairlane has covered over 3400 miles from Kanas to Missouri to California all without missing a beat. We are proud with our race and loved every minute of it.

Tonight at the awards dinner we were handed the plaque for second place. We have be fortunate to win the past two years but are still thrilled that we got to drive Route 66 and become part of the family that is The Great Race.

The team with Corky Coker

The team with Corky Coker

As we look to next year, we hope to improve our car, scores, and standings but overall have the adventure of a lifetime, just like this year.

After all, that is what The Great Race is: The adventure of a lifetime that you can do every year.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters, donors, visitors along the route, and of course everyone who cheered us on over the past week at home and abroad. We greatly appreciate and love all of your support.

Best Regards,

McPherson College 2015 Great Race Team

The end of the race and Route 66

The end of the race and Route 66

GR+8: Lake Havasu, AZ to San Bernadino, CA

Today brought us up from Lake Havasu, AZ to Twentynine Palms, CA to end the day in San Bernadino, CA.

The morning took us across the state line to our start line on Route 66 in California. Today was another test of our car and driver to maintain speed and perform in the hot desert temps.

Cars lining up at the morning start

Cars lining up at the morning start

Our morning legs took us into Joshua Tree National Park where we were treated to some fantastic scenery in the form of funky tree and rock formations.

A Joshua tree in Joshua Tree National Park

A Joshua tree in Joshua Tree National Park

Lunch was provided in Twentynine Palms, CA and gave us a small break from the heat and sun.

The afternoon legs took us through more barren desert with temperatures reaching north of 100 degrees! Throughout all of it the Fairlane performed flawlessly.

The barren desert of the afternoon leg

The barren desert of the afternoon leg

As we pulled into San Bernadino, CA we were greeted by Justin Smeltzer, a fellow student and Great Race team member from last year.

The Fairlane at the night stop in San Bernadino, CA

The Fairlane at the night stop in San Bernadino, CA

Being in California, we had to make a pit stop after our “official” dinner at In & Out.

The team enjoying some well-deserved In & Out

The team enjoying some well-deserved In & Out

Tomorrow it is the final push to Santa Monica, CA and the finish line of The 2015 Great Race!

GR+7: Flagstaff, AZ to Lake Havasu, AZ

Today we left the cool heights of Flagstaff, AZ and descended into the heat of the desert.

The start line out in the desert of Arizona

The start line out in the desert of Arizona

The morning start brought us down out of Flagstaff to just outside Radiator Springs. Long speed runs were again on the map for today with a few low speed sections for confusion.

Burma Shave advertising along Route 66

Burma Shave advertising along Route 66

Lunch was provided by the good people of Kingman, AZ. We had a chance to cool down and stretch our legs before the road to Lake Havasu, AZ through Oatmen, AZ.

At the lunch stop we were greeted by the folks who donated the very 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 we were driving! It was an honor to meet them and they were thrilled that we were using the car as intended.

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Scenery near Kingman, AZ

After lunch we headed for Oatmen, AZ. The afternoon of the race took its toll on many cars with temperatures reaching triple digits and slow speeds up mountain passes. Fortunately, our Fairlane with an auxiliary fuel pump and fan performed flawlessly all day!

It felt good pulling into Lake Havasu, AZ and getting to walk around a bit. As soon as we pulled in though, we were greeted by a McPherson Alum from the class of ’61!

The team meeting with a McPherson Alum

The team meeting with a McPherson Alum

Tonight we are recovering from the energy-draining heat and getting ready for, hopefully, one last day of high temperatures until we reach California.

GR+6: Gallup, NM to Flagstaff, AZ

Today marked the sixth day of the race and took us out of the New Mexico heat and way up to Flagstaff, AZ.

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Crossing the Arizona State Line on the way to our morning start

The morning took us out of Gallup and on to part of Route 66. It was a solid morning with lots of long timed speed runs and speed changes over far and winding roads.

The long road to Winslow, AZ

The long road to Winslow, AZ

Between our morning run and lunch stop we drove through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forrest. This offered some amazing views and a few photo opportunities.

 

The team enjoying some time out of the car

The team enjoying some time out of the car

On the way to Winslow, AZ, we even found a car in need of serious restoration work!

The team checking out an abandoned car before lunch

The team checking out an abandoned car before lunch

Lunch in Winslow gave us a break from the mid-day heat. We reloaded on water before stopping at the most famous corner in Winslow, AZ.

Winslow, AZ

Winslow, AZ

At the start of the afternoon run

At the start of the afternoon run

The afternoon took us up out of the heat towards Flagstaff. We were again treated to steady speed roads, but this time there was a section of low speed, stop, and turn instructions to mix it up.

As we entered the tree line, we were again blessed with some stellar views and even a controlled burn site, which add some excitement!

The smokey forest near Flagstaff, AZ

The smokey forest near Flagstaff, AZ

Near Mormon Lake, AZ

When we rolled into Flagstaff, AZ we were awarded another ACE! Our hard work paid off today!

Austin affixing the team's third Ace

Austin affixing the team’s third Ace

Tonight we rest in Flagstaff, AZ and prepare for the long, hot day that tomorrow will be.

Chat again in Lake Havasu, AZ.

GR+5: Santa Fe, NM to Gallup, NM

Today we traveled slowly from Santa Fe to Albuquerque to Gallup.

The morning began with driving to the outskirts of Santa Fe for our first morning run. After looking at the directions, we prepared for slow 10 mph and 15 mph speeds. They do not seem hard, but keeping steady that slow for long periods it challenging!

The road to Albuquerque, NM

Our first leg was rough with a missed turn, but Austin recalculated and we got within a few seconds of a perfect time!

The whole morning was slow speeds, sudden turns, and avoiding traffic!

Lunch was setup at the Unser Racing museum which provided both a welcome relief from the heat and some eye candy in the form of race and antique automobiles.

Race car display at the Unser museum

Race car display at the Unser museum

 

We also had Craig Nelson, a student at McPherson College, visit us with the team members of Color Works, the shop where he is working this summer.

McPherson College team and Color Works staff at the Unser museum

McPherson College team and Color Works staff at the Unser museum

The afternoon was set up to test both the steadiness of the driver and the precision of the navigator. This section was full of long steady speeds with interspersed quick speed changes.

We made it through the afternoon stage feeling pretty good with the Fairlane running smooth and cool.

Driving into Gallup,NM

Driving into Gallup,NM

Tonight we are in Gallup, NM and are readying for the push to Flagstaff, AZ!

Following a fellow racer to the hotel

Following a fellow racer to the hotel

GR+4: Amarillo, TX to Santa Fe, NM

Today marked the fourth day of the race which took us through the flat plains of Texas and into the hills of New Mexico.

Our warm-up run brought us past the famous Cadillac Ranch where we had just enough time for a picture before continuing to the start line.

 

Cadillac Ranch in Texas

Cadillac Ranch in Texas

The morning consisted of many speed changes and timed speed runs. This put more pressure on the driver to keep a steady and consistent foot.

Lunch was in Tucumcari and offered a nice pit stop and cool down before climbing up towards Santa Fe.

Lunch stop

Lunch stop

The hills of New Mexico challenged us to anticipate climbs and downhill grades to stay within speed, but it offered some amazing views!

Hills in New Mexico

Hills in New Mexico

Some of the hills, holding 25 mph, gave the Fairlane a workout and caused a few coughs of the engine.

Trying to hold 25 mph on the steep grades

Trying to hold 25 mph on the steep grades

Tonight we are in Santa Fe, NM to rest up for our journey to Gallup, NM. It will only get hotter as we go, so the more water and rest for ourselves and the car, the better!

The Santa Fe finish line!

The Santa Fe finish line!

Update you all in Gallup, Goodnight!

GR+3: Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX

It was a good start this morning, drawing 96 as our position number, since we could rest a bit longer in the hotel. Today Jake was to drive and Matt navigate for the first half of the day.

Our start was close to an interesting stop called the Cherokee Restaurant. We filled up on fuel and some caffeine before the start of the day.

The the stop right before the first leg

The the stop right before the first leg

Our route was to take us through some rolling hills, so a steady foot and solid brakes were a must.

Matt did an awesome job during his first time navigating and we put up solid legs for the morning run. Lunch stop took us to Elk City, OK. We had a warm welcome and a sight-seeing tour of the Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK.

Lunch stop in Elk City, OK

Lunch stop in Elk City, OK

Our afternoon legs took us on historic Route 66 from Oklahoma to Texas. We passed many small towns with abandon gas stations and classic cars. One of our race restarts brought us to a restored Phillips 66 gas station. We had just enough time for a picture.

The Fairlane and Vintage Phillips 66

The Fairlane and Vintage Phillips 66

Once we hit the Texas line, the rolling hills became a bit steeper with tighter turns on our course. Austin was navigating this leg and kept Jake informed of all the turns, stops, and oncoming traffic.

Austin giving Jake sound direction

Austin giving Jake sound direction

During the morning prep, we were given emergency instructions for course changes. One warning was, “Possible water crossing,” which added some excitement! We were fine in our car, but the speedsters got a bit damp.

Water crossing in Texas

Water crossing in Texas

After seeing the tilted water tower, we were off the clock! Next stop, Amarillo!

Leaning water tower in Britten, TX

Leaning water tower in Britten, TX

Dinner was provided in Amarillo along a historic street full of antique shops. Naturally, we explored them and found a few deals for items that would fit in the trunk.

Tonight we are resting up for the push to Santa Fe, NM.

The temps are rising, hopefully our score doesn’t! (It’s like golf)

GR+2: Springfield, MO to Oklahoma City, OK

Today marked the second day of the Great Race. Our route took us from Missouri to Oklahoma with a short jaunt through our state of Kansas!

After a solid day yesterday, Austin and Jake decided to take a quick nap during the morning calibration run. Earning Aces takes a lot of out you.

Austin and Jake resting before the day even began

Austin and Jake resting before the day even began

 

The sprint through Kansas took us by the town of Baxter Springs. We plan on road tripping back to this part of Kansas and route 66 this fall. There was lots of interesting roadside artifacts to see, but no time to look. This is a race after all!

The whole day was solid with no major hiccups and only a few interesting starts due to heavy traffic.

Pulling into Oklahoma City, we were awarded another Ace! Good navigating and driving, along with some luck, gave us our second Ace of the race! Let’s keep it at one or more a day.

Austin and Brian with their Ace

Austin and Brian with their Ace

To add to the excitement, Austin Hiebert’s family came down from Newton, KS to welcome him and the team! They even put together a care package for each team member to keep us going down the road.

Austin and his family in Oklahoma City, OK

Austin and his family in Oklahoma City, OK

Supplies for the road

Supplies for the road

We use every free moment we get to prepare for the next leg, so naturally the last order of business for the night was a laundry run, just like Sunday night in the dorms.

Laundry time for the Great Race crew

Laundry time for the Great Race crew

Tomorrow it is off to Texas with Jake driving and Matt navigating.

West bound and down to Amarillo, TX!

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!

Trophy Run and a Few Repairs

T-minus 1 day to the official start of The Great Race.

Today was the Hagerty Trophy Run, a sort of test run to get the racers back in the feel of the race and to win first bragging rights. We were happy to have the time to feel out the car again and remember what we did last year.

The morning started out with the official meeting to welcome Great Racers and to go over all of the housekeeping. After a prayer from Corky Coker to keep all the Racers safe, it was time for Rally School and the very wet Trophy Run.

Before the start of the run, the Navigators set their watches and even helped some Rookies understand the rally instructions.

Austin Hiebert fields questions from a Rookie over the Trophy Run instructions

Austin Hiebert fields questions from a Rookie over the Trophy Run instructions

Due to the constant rain, we employed high-tech water proofing devices for our luggage in the form of trash bags from the hotel. Thank you, Hampton Inn!

Water-proofed luggage loaded in our trunk

Water-proofed luggage loaded in our trunk

Trophy Run took us out to the Illinois state line for some rallying. The run had a mix of interesting speed changes, hills, and slow sections. It kept us on our toes. This run also gave us our first taste of Route 66 driving.

Shop along the route

Shop along the route

 

Overall we felt good about the run except for one section that we knew we messed up. Hopefully we can learn from this and get some solid time legs tomorrow on the first official race!

Tonight, after the 1950s cocktail reception, we stopped by our friends, who helped us with the turn signal issue, to once again steal his garage time and dry floor. After some thought, we decided to install an accessory radiator fan for extra insurance for our time in the desert later this week.

The team hard at work installing the fan

The team hard at work installing the fan

For now its back to the hotel to rest up for our official kick off  tomorrow in Kirkwood, MO.