The Great Race Comes to Westminster July 3 ... Vintage Cars to Line Westminster Promenade

See the Cars and Meet the Drivers at a Family Style Barbecue at Westin Westminster, Photos with Cars and Drivers to Benefit Westminster's Armed Services Memorial Tribute Garden

WESTMINSTER, Colo., June 20 -- More than 100 vintage automobiles will be on display at the Westminster Promenade July 3 when drivers in the oldest cross-country race in America pause for an overnight stay at The Westin Westminster. Vehicles ranging from classic Studebaker racers to Mercedes roadsters are part of the Great Race, presented by the Army National Guard, a time/speed/endurance road-rally for vintage automobiles manufactured at least 45 years ago.

The overnight stop in Westminster comes after drivers complete Stage 9 in a 14-stage rally that takes them from Washington, D.C., on June 25 to Tacoma, Wash., on July 9. The stop includes a short parade down Westminster Boulevard as the cars line up for display along the Westminster Promenade. Beginning at 5:30 PM, auto enthusiasts are welcome to see the cars cross the finish line.

To celebrate the arrival of the cars and drivers, The Westin Westminster offers an old-fashioned family-style barbecue party. The cost for the barbecue is $22 for adults, $17 for seniors ages 65 and over and $9 for kids ages 12 and under.

For a $5 donation to the Armed Forces Tribute Garden proposed in Westminster, car lovers can have their photo taken with their favorite car and driver. The Tribute Garden is dedicated to those who served and are serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

The Westin Westminster and the Westminster Promenade are located at the Church Ranch Road/104th Street exit of the Boulder Turnpike (U.S. 36). For additional information on the barbecue, call 303-410-5000.

Each Great Race stop gives fans the opportunity to meet the competitors and see a moving classic car museum. Over the years, Great Race competitors have logged nearly 6 million vehicle miles participating in the world's richest, longest-running road rally for vintage automobiles. Event regulations require that these classic cars be at least 45 years old, and some were built as many as 95 years ago. The competition is very real, with a total cash purse of $250,000. The event is held on the back roads of America each summer and is usually a coast-to-coast event.