Presented in cooperation with Visit Mountaineer Country and Main Street Morgantown, the City of Morgantown will welcome the Great Race to the streets of downtown Morgantown from noon to 3 p.m. on Monday (June 24).
The world’s premier old car rally will take place over multiple days with stops in selected cities on its way to the finish line, bringing more than 120 of the world’s finest antique automobiles to town.
The Great Race is not a speed race, but rather a test of the driver’s ability to follow course instructions and the car’s ability to endure the long trip.
Several streets will be blocked off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day of the event to help reduce traffic congestion in those areas.
High Street will be closed from the intersection of Willey Street to Walnut Street, along with Fayette Street from the intersection of Chestnut Street to Spruce Street, and Forrest Avenue from the intersection of Chestnut Street to Spruce Street. Traffic will also be diverted from Chestnut Street to Reid Street.
Metered parking along High Street and the parking lot on Chestnut and Fayette streets will be unavailable starting at 5 a.m.
The Dream Machine’s Car Club, a local car enthusiasts’ group, will also have around 60 vintage automobiles on display, the Boy Scout Council will host a pine box derby competition and a variety of vintage clothing vendors will offer retro finds available for purchase.
“The City of Morgantown is excited to offer this opportunity not only for the public to learn more about the Great Race, classic cars and racing, but also an opportunity for the race participants to learn more about our wonderful city and all it has to offer,” said Nikki Lauffer, City of Morgantown special projects coordinator. “This event is an opportunity for our residents to have a free, fun day out downtown during the summer for folks of all ages.
More details will be provided on the city’s social media platforms regarding closure time frames, specific street closures and event day activities as we get closer to the event.