Great American Race to visit Lewisville

Great Race announced that Lewisville will be an official host city for Great American Race 2007. The cross-country race for classic cars, hot rods and muscle cars will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a stop in Lewisville on July 6 as part of its annual 4,000-mile journey across the United States.

"We are pleased to bring Great American Race 2007 to Lewisville during our 25th anniversary," said Bill Ewing, CEO for Rally Partners, Inc., the event organizers. "The Great Race is a great community event that appeals to anyone who loves automobiles, plus it's always free to the public so I'm confident that the community of Lewisville will enjoy the Great Race."

Mayor Gene Carey agreed.

"I love classic cars, I love muscle cars - like a lot of people, I just love any kind of car," Carey said. "We are really excited to have the Great Race come to Lewisville. This is a first-rate event, and I know it will bring out a lot of people and a lot of families."

Great American Race, presented by Interstate Batteries will begin on June 30 in Concord, N.C., and will finish two weeks later, on July 14, in Anaheim. Lewisville will mark the midway point in this year's race. A field of up to 100 classic cars, all manufactured in 1969 or earlier, are eligible to compete.

The participating vehicles will arrive in Lewisville between 5:30 and 6 p.m. on July 6 and will be placed on free public display in the Old Town Lewisville area for three hours. The city's tourism office is arranging other entertainment and activities in connection with the vehicle display.

Great Race originates from the legendary "Greatest Auto Race" of 1908 that raced around the world from New York to Paris. What was originally created to provide enthusiasts an opportunity to drive their classic cars has become an American institution, attracting competitors from all over the world. Great Racers have competed more than 9 million miles of the most scenic roads in North America, attracting fans of all ages to Great Race events where they meet the competitors that annually take to the highways in the ultimate automotive adventure.

For more information, visit www.greatrace.com.