The Kick Off--Day 1 of the 2016 Great Race

Today marked the official start of the Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty. This year, the event is traveling from San Rafael, California to Moline, Illinois with a route that is loosely based on the Lincoln Highway. The town of San Rafael was fully committed to making sure this would be one of the biggest Great Race starts of all time, and their efforts resulted in a packed house! Thousands of people converged on Fourth Street of San Rafael, as more than 100 teams blasted off from the starting line. The Coker Tire team of Gary and Jean Ann Martin had an outstanding day, despite some issues along the route. They were able to make up time, and scored a three second day, putting them in first place overall! That's right, the Coker team is number one! Today's route sent us to Vacaville, California for lunch, and then hightailed it through the farm land of northern California, on our way to the dinner stop in Sacramento. It was an awesome first day, and we can't wait to show you today's highlights and continue to provide coverage every day. Check it out! [caption id="attachment_7692" align="alignleft" width="780"] Corky Coker is seen here mixing it up with professional BMX rider, Jamie Bestwick and off road driver, BJ Baldwin before the race kicked off in San Rafael. These guys had a great time as a part of the Toyota team. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_7694" align="alignleft" width="780"] Jessi Combs poses with Rose Kawasaki on the streets of San Rafael. The Pur Sang Bugatti replica behind them is simply stunning![/caption] [caption id="attachment_7695" align="alignleft" width="780"] The Coker Tire team of Gary and Jean Ann Martin are fun folks from Simpsonville, Kentucky. We're so glad to have them on the Coker team![/caption] [caption id="attachment_7702" align="alignleft" width="780"] Corky Coker addressing the crowd in Old Sacramento, California. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_7703" align="alignleft" width="780"] Congratulations to Gary and Jean Ann Martin for winning the day with a score of three seconds! What a great way to end the day![/caption]