Columbia, S.C. – Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) is hosting the Grand Finish of the world-renowned Hemmings Motor News Great Race Presented by Coker Tire on Sunday, June 29, 2025. 

This nine-day, 2,300-mile classic car rally will showcase 130 of the finest antique vehicles, making 17 stops along the way before crossing the finish line at Moore Park (formerly Irmo Community Park) in Irmo, South Carolina (7473 Church St., Irmo, SC 29063).

Spectators are invited to cheer on the competitors as they cross the finish line at Moore Park after traversing the western portion of Lake Murray Country. 

The event offers a rare opportunity for residents of Irmo and surrounding communities to see the spectacular cars and meet the drivers from all over the world.

Moore Park will open for the event at 12 p.m., and event goers will have the opportunity to cheer on the drivers as the historic cars cross the finish line between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

Take a spin on 93.1 The Lake’s prize wheel and listen to great music at the Prisma Health Amphitheater. Spectators will be able to see the vintage cars up close, meet the drivers and navigators, and support a variety of local businesses, food trucks, and vendors in attendance. 

Then, at 4 p.m., gather by the finish line as the top 10 cars are announced. Food trucks in attendance include Kona Ice, Beat the Heat Lemonade & Sweet Treats, Tasty Tikka, and Grumpy’s Cocina. Vendors include Mercedes-Benz Club of America-Carolina’s Chapter, Three Rivers Region of Porsche Club of America, Camping World, and King Kone Ice Cream.

Parking for the event is located at Moore Park via the Church St. entrance. 

Please note that the Eastview St. entrance will be closed off - it is the race car entrance. Additional parking will be available at Union United Methodist Church (7582 Woodrow St., Irmo, SC 29063), where shuttles will pick up and drop off attendees at Moore Park.

Participants from across the U.S., Japan, England, Australia, and Canada participate in the annual event, which is often considered a “bucket list” item for car enthusiasts. 

Cars, trucks, and motorcycles built in 1974 and earlier are eligible to compete, and the scoring system features an age factor to keep the earlier cars competitive. A 1913 Chevrolet, a 1916 Hudson, and a 1918 American LaFrance are the oldest cars in the 2025 Great Race.

The Great Race was started in 1983 by Tom McRae and is now the world’s premier old car rally. The vehicles, each with a driver and navigator, are given daily instructions that detail every move on the route down to the second. 

Teams are scored at secret checkpoints along the route and are penalized for arriving at the checkpoints early or late. 

The rally combines strategy, precision, and endurance; like golf, the lowest score wins, and with a $160,000 total purse—including $50,000 for the overall winner—the stakes are high!

Miriam Atria, President/CEO of CCLMC, shares her enthusiasm: "We’re thrilled to host the Grand Finish of the Great Race right here in Irmo. This is a unique opportunity to showcase our beautiful region, from Lake Murray to our vibrant dining and accommodations. We can’t wait to welcome the racers and fans to experience our true Southern hospitality!"

The Great Race isn't just a race—it’s an adventure that celebrates history, precision, and community. Spectators can marvel at vintage cars, interact with drivers and navigators from around the globe, and even let the little ones climb behind the wheel of some of these incredible machines. 

Best of all, it’s completely free to attend! 

“When the Great Race pulls into a city, it becomes an instant festival,” says Jeff Stumb, Great Race Director. He continued, “Last year, we had several overnight stops with more than 10,000 spectators, on our way to having 250,000 people see the Great Race during the event. There are more than 500 people just in our entourage.”

Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or just looking for a family-friendly event, the 2025 Great Race Grand Finish in Irmo is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and join in the celebration of history, adventure, and southern charm right here in Capital City/Lake Murray Country. Stay tuned for more event details on CCLMC’s social media and LakeMurrayCountry.com.