News Summary
The 2025 Hemmings Motor News Great Race thundered through Ashland, Kentucky, delighting spectators with a breathtaking display of classic cars. As part of a nine-day journey from St. Paul to Irmo, the event highlighted the incredible precision required by teams to reach secret checkpoints against the clock. With rich local history and a festive atmosphere, participant stories and community engagement made this event memorable, marking Ashland’s return as a host after two decades.
Ashland
The 2025 Hemmings Motor News Great Race roared its way through Ashland, Kentucky, showcasing a parade of classic cars to the delight of thousands of spectators. This annual event is a part of a nine-day journey starting in St. Paul, Minnesota and culminating in Irmo, South Carolina, scheduled from June 21 to June 29.
Great Race Director, Jeff Stumb, emphasized the exceptional nature of the event, noting that many of the participating vintage vehicles are typically displayed in museums rather than on public roads. Each team, comprising a driver and a navigator, is challenged to reach secret checkpoints within specific time frames, making precision timing crucial for scoring. Arriving too early or too late can negatively affect a team’s final score, adding an intricate layer to this competition.
The event drew a diverse group of contestants, including participants like Brad and Jamie Mangan in their eye-catching 1962 Corvette. They described the experience as a unique blend of competition and exploration, with scenic routes adding to the thrill of the race. Veteran racer William Secrest, who previously won the Great Race in 1992, highlighted that lower scores indicate superior performance, showcasing how meticulous timing is essential for a successful run.
This year’s race saw a participation cap of 125 classic cars, with 115 still in the competition by the time they arrived in Ashland. The event marked a return to the city for the first time in two decades, as Ashland had previously hosted the Great Race in 1995 and 2005.
Local excitement was palpable as the event unfolded, featuring a warm welcome that included the singing of the national anthem and an emcee introducing each classic vehicle as they rolled in. The turnout was significant, with estimates of 1,000 to 2,000 spectators attending each stop along the route. Young local car enthusiast Zane Parton, at just 11 years old, even took part by sitting in the car of contestant #71, highlighting the event’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Prior to their Ashland stop, contestants had made their way from Huntington, where a similar event took place in the summer of 2021. As the race progressed, participants traveled to Charleston, West Virginia, on Thursday afternoon with plans to continue their journey to Lewisburg the following day. The involvement of families and classic car aficionados contributed to an engaging and vibrant atmosphere, with local residents, such as Nathan Jobe, recalling fond memories from previous races organized by his family in the area.
The Great Race not only captivates classic car enthusiasts but also draws families seeking a festive and unique experience. Local officials expressed their satisfaction with the event’s ability to bring together the community, offering a blend of nostalgia, competition, and entertainment. With the successful turnout in Ashland, this year’s race promises to leave lasting memories for both participants and spectators alike.
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Additional Resources
- Herald-Dispatch
- Google Search: 2025 Hemmings Motor News Great Race
- WSAZ
- Wikipedia: Classic Car
- Charleston Gazette-Mail
- Google News: Great Race Ashland
