Spectator Guide
Great Race is automotive history in motion. Public lunch and evening stops give you the chance to see the cars up close, meet participants, and experience the excitement as the field arrives in town.
Official public Great Race stops are free to attend.
Join Us at an Official Stop
Detailed competition routes are not published for public viewing. The best way to experience Great Race is at an official lunch or evening stop.
Visit the Event Calendar for locations, times, and host-city information. Arrive early whenever possible — street closures, crowds, and parking can make getting into the area take longer than expected.
View the Event Calendar →Not Your Typical Car Show
Cars Arriving
Watch participating vehicles arrive in their daily starting order.
Meet Participants
Once cars are parked, spectators are welcome to walk around, ask questions, and learn about the people and vehicles.
Hear the Stories
Great Race announcers near the event gate introduce vehicles and share information as participants arrive.
Experience the Host City
Many communities add food, entertainment, vendors, and other activities to their Great Race celebration.
What Should I Bring?
Great Race stops take place outdoors and continue through summer heat, rain, and changing weather. Check the forecast before you come and plan for the conditions.
Looking for more details?
The Spectator FAQ covers parking, children, pets, food, weather, arrival times, photos, merchandise, and more.
Visit the Spectator FAQ →Which Stop Should I Attend?
Lunch Stops
Lunch stops generally last around two hours, but the entire field is not parked at once. Participants arrive, eat, and continue as additional cars arrive.
Best if you enjoy watching the cars arrive and depart throughout the stop.
Evening Stops
Evening stops usually provide more time to see the cars, meet participants, shop Great Race merchandise, and enjoy host-city activities.
Usually the better choice if you want the most time to walk around and see the field up close.
Looking for Someone Specific?
Use the Participants & Cars directory to find the car number, vehicle, team, and participant information you are looking for.
The Order of Start can also help estimate when a particular car may arrive. Participants generally begin approximately one minute apart, although actual arrival timing will vary.
Official Merchandise & Program Books
Look for the official Great Race merchandise area at public stops. Program books include participant, vehicle, and event information, making them a useful guide while watching the field and a fun souvenir to take home.
Browse the Great Race Program →Follow the Great Race
Find the information you need before you head out to see the cars.