Great Race participants make pit stop in Crowley
Trickling in throughout the morning and early afternoon, dozens of classic automobiles brought a historic air to downtown Crowley on Saturday.
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<!-- CROWLEY — Trickling in throughout the morning and early afternoon, dozens of classic automobiles brought a historic air to downtown Crowley on Saturday.
The Rice Capital of America was the lunch stop for The Great Race, a cross-country classic car race and rally. The nine-day event began June 22 in St. Paul, Minn., and ends today in Mobile, Ala.
More than 90 teams are competing in this year’s race. As they stopped in Crowley, the city welcomed them with a wide selection of food, local music and a display of dozens of antique vehicles.
“We are treating everyone to a Cajun reception, Cajun hospitality and good Cajun food,” said Tom Regan of Crowley. Regan is the navigator on one of this year’s Great Race teams. He is paired with driver Ed Habetz in a 1928 Ford Model A.
As of Saturday, Regan said his team was in 15th place overall.
“We have a chance. We’re very proud of what we’ve done,” he said. “It’s a time, distance and endurance race. It’s a really tough rally. It’s one of those things that is on your bucket list.”
Jody Polito of Lafayette was one of the many spectators who came out to welcome the cars. Polito herself is the proud owner of a 1940 Buick that has been in her family for several years, and relished the opportunity to see other older vehicles.
“It’s historic to see something like this,” Polito said as she snapped pictures of the incoming cars. “The sound of the engine on these cars is something you just don’t hear anymore. It’s like you’re seeing history. They don’t make cars like these anymore.”
Jeryl Bertrand of Jennings brought his 1964 Corvette to display. A passionate classic car owner, Bertrand said he loved the downtown Crowley setting, which is filled with older buildings that have been restored to their original condition.
“This is a great place to have both the cars out and room for the people to see everything,” Bertrand said. “It’s a great atmosphere.”
Bertrand said his favorite part of the day was admiring the other vehicles and sharing time with his grandson, Tyler Daigle.
“For me, the thing that is different about the cars is the styling,” he said. “The older ones just have more style to them, at least that’s how I see it.”
Another Acadiana team, Richard Fredette and Bill Loubiere of Carencro, are also participating in this year’s Great Race. They are traveling in a 1932 Ford Boattailed Speedster. They were in 28th place in Stage 7, according to the Great Race website. -->
