See Photos: Great Race Brings Vintage Cars To Plainfield For 1st Time

PLAINFIELD, IL — On Wednesday, the legendary Great Race made its only Illinois stop in Plainfield, where the historic Route 66 and Lincoln Highway align. The visit was a first for both the village and the race, and it's one that drew thousands to witness vehicles that are no longer manufactured today.

More than 130 cars — in an array of colors, makes and models — came into Plainfield and grandly drove through an entry arch on Lockport Street. Open ceremonies commenced at about 4:15 p.m., and visitors came to peruse and marvel at the parked vehicles until about 8 p.m.

Built between 1904 and 1974, the cars participating in the Great Race are making their way across the country. Racers started in Warwick, Rhode Island on June 18 and are making their way to Fargo, North Dakota in eight days.

Plainfield, where the entourage spent the night, was their ninth stop. From Illinois, the drivers are traveling to a few towns in Wisconsin and Minnesota before arriving in North Dakota.

Despite its name, the Great Race — first started in 1983 — is not a test of top speed but rather a way for antique, vintage and collector cars to participate in a "controlled-speed endurance road rally on public highways," according to its website.

The Plainfield Historical Society hosted the Plainfield event.

"What a GREAT night last night!" historians wrote on Facebook Wednesday morning. "The Great Race rolled into town on a warm and sunny afternoon ... Great cars, great crowd and great food!"

For those who couldn't make it to the event or want to relive the occasion, check out a collection of photographs below.

Volunteers are pictured setting up tents along Lockport Street where Great Race participants and staff were fed Wednesday. The menu was catered by Station One Smokehouse.

Great Race drivers traveled through Plainfield along the three blocks where Lincoln Highway and Route 66 converge.

The menu was inspired by Plainfield's early 20th-century dining traditions such as pork chop dinners at the Wheatland Plowing Match and annual chicken dinners by local churches, Patch reported.

After driving down Route 59, racers turned west onto Lockport Street and passed through an entry arch at the intersection with Illinois Street.

About 130 cars, built between 1904 and 1974, drove down Lockport Street before parking and being on display for visitors to view.