June 23, 2004

By: Edmond Watts
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

Focus on the Family Cruises the Backroads of America in a Vintage 1941 Cadillac Convertible

On June 19 Focus on the Family will join the world’s largest vintage car rally-race for the ninth year in a row. While many of the cars will be focused on the substantial cash prizes at the end, drivers of the Focus Car 34 see an opportunity to meet and thank as many constituents along the way as possible. John Fuller, co-host of the Focus daily broadcast and one of the drivers for the race, is looking forward to an all-around good experience.

It is a privilege to participate in this year’s Great Race! I’m excited about the opportunity to share with folks along the way about our organization’s mission to help families, and also to personally greet supporters of Focus on the Family, he says. Of course, driving a classic automobile like this ’41 Cadillac and being with other race participants will be a memorable experience, too!

With more than 100 cars participating, it’s no small procession when The Great Race rolls into town. Each car must be more than 45 years old to qualify for competition, taking everyone who sees them back to a time when chrome was beauty and driving was about more than speed.

Echoing the speed-controlled road rallies popular prior to 1940, The Great Race is a timed endurance rally-race; a contest about precision driving and navigation, not speed. A wristwatch, analog clock, speedometer, pencil, paper and this year a stopwatch (no maps, cell phones or odometers) are the only instruments racers may use to chart their miles and follow course instructions at exact, predetermined speeds. Winners finish within seconds of the predetermined 'perfect time'.

Focus originally became involved with The Great Race in 1996 when a ministry representative and vintage car enthusiast learned about this unique opportunity to reach constituents on the road. Focus also believes strongly in the themes that the race is built upon—God, country and family values.

This year the race ends on July 3 in Monterey, CA with a celebrity banquet featuring actor Tony Curtis. Curtis starred in the 1965 movie, The Great Race. Partnering with Visa, The Great Race will donate all event proceeds to the Autism Society.

About The Author:

Edmond Watts is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Making that car wish list come true with auto parts, stereos and accessories plus financing tips.