Great Race Rolls in to Hannibal [Photo Gallery]

(Hannibal, Mo)--Nearly 100 vintage and special interest vehicles rolled into Hannibal's
Central Park today, greeted by a curious and enthusiastic crowd.

The Hemmings Motor News Great Race participants traveled to Hannibal from Peoria today; which was Day 3 of a nine-day race that weaves along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Alabama.

Spectators watched a variety of vehicles ranging from the 1920's up to 60's muscle cars roll up Broadway past the finish line.  Even emergency vehicles were represented in the race--a bright red Ford fire truck from the 50's, and an even older police car that a Marion County Sheriff's deputy was admiring.

It's not the kind of race that brute horsepower or speed wins.  It is a matter of precision. Participants travel in teams; the navigator communicates the directions and prescribed speed to the driver with the goal of "acing" the course, which means the team passes random course checkpoints at the EXACT time scheduled for that specific vehicle.  Seconds too early or late add to your score.  As in golf, the lowest score wins.

According to www.greatrace.com, older is better when it comes to point accumulation.  Older cars are given a percentage reduction of the total score; the older the model year, the higher the point reduction. The Grand Champion of the 2013 Great Race drives away with the $50,000 purse.

After an overnight stay in Hannibal, the Great Race travels to Washington, Missouri and Cape Girardeau tomorrow.

If you missed the event, I hope the photo gallery conveys some of the excitement of this premier old car rally.