What You Need to Know: Great Race

By Rylee Clark, Destination Marketing Associate

The Great Race is coming to the Quad Cities! A parade of classic cars from all around the world will be parading down the streets of downtown Moline on June 22. This race spans from St. Paul Minnesota to Lake Murray, South Carolina and will be making a stop right here in Moline. The cars will be lined up down River Drive along with other antique cars from local car clubs, ready for people to see and take photos with. So, what do you need to know for the day of the Great Race? 

First of all, what is the Great Race? The Great Race started in 1983 when two business partners bought out a race promoter who planned to race pre-World War II cars. Claimed as the #1 vintage car rally. The race this year will start in St. Paul Minnesota, stop 17 places, before ending in Lake Murray, South Carolina. The grand champion of the race will win $50,000 and the total purse is $160,000. The car models in the race had to be manufactured in 1974 or earlier. Teams and cars from all around the world come to participate in this event. Find out more about the race here.  

The cars will drive on the I-74 bridge before arriving at 4:45 p.m. and will parade down River Drive on their way to the John Deere Commons. Cheer and welcome the drivers in as they stop for the night. The drivers will be stopping for the night in Moline to rest. It's perfect for the whole family so grab your kids and head on over! Find out more about the Great Race evening stop here.  

From noon to 6 p.m., Moline Centre will be hosting a free Watch Party filled with food, music, and fun for the whole family at Skinner Block Courtyard. Get a front row view as the cars are paraded down the street. Food and ice cream along with delicious drinks from local restaurants and cafes will be available for purchase. Live music will be provided by On the Tree playing rockabilly and old-time rock n’ roll. After the final car arrives, the cars will be on display for 2 hours for people to look at, take pictures with, and enjoy. Along with those cars, other antique cars from different local car clubs will be lined up on River Drive as well. Cars from the Quad Cities Antique Ford Club, British Car Club, and Quad Cities Cruisers will be next to the Great Race cars. Find out more about the watch party here.  

Come out and welcome the racers while also enjoying the different things the watch party has to offer. Explore cars from different decades while enjoying live music, tasty food, and fun activities.