Gathering at The Rock - Pictures

On Thanksgiving morning we'll be gathering at the Rock near the Science & Industry museum in Chicago. Every year Bill Wildt from Motor Sports Unlimited TV interviews those brave enough to show up with their vehicles in the early hours at this historic site:

This is the place where back in 1895 the first ever race with motorized vehicles in the USA happened:

http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/progress/autorace_1

It is quite amazing to see the huge variety of vehicles showing up (from a John Deere to a modern AMG Merc sportscar) for this commemorative event. And it might be just the last horray for our cars this year.

Frank and I will be there. Anybody else?

 

Bill starts shooting around 8am. The sooner we get there, the shorter the wait. Currently we have Frank, Rick, Carla and myself, so maybe we could head out afterwards for a warm brunch.

At any rate I'll bring coffee in a thermos and donuts for everybody.

 

It is right on the street going down the West side of the museum. The rock itself is tiny, but you'll see Bill and his crew and a bunch of cars. "Parking" is on the lawn of the park and along the street.

I forgot the exact location, but I believe where the arrow points to is about where it is. You can't miss it.
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Great.

I'll be there early, somewhat after 8am, but that kinda depends on you guys.

FFerari, Frank, Carla, Rick, how about you?

 

You sure? This gathering is in the morning. By 11am it is all but over.

 

In XBox terms: You need to spawn a jetpack.

 

Nice turnout so far:

FFerarri, Chuck, Carla, Rick, Frank and myself

When are you guys planning on getting there?

Again, it starts at around 8am and goes till roughly 10:30am. The later we get there, the longer we have to wait for an interview (if you'd like to do that).

 

Fantastic!

Bill Wildt is gonna freak out by that unexpected massive dose of Italian sportscars. I can already hear the feathered lady chirping: "And stay tuned for yet another Ferrari, when we're back!"

 

It still is that pathetic little bronze plaque. And you're quite right, we Chicagoans ought to be famous for the first car race in the United States (if not the world). Yet we're not, simply because nobody gives a hoot (except us piston heads). Really sad. If this race had taken place in a lesser city, the mayor would have made damn sure everybody would know about it, but here it is lost in all the other achievements.

On an almost related note: This year the world's first parking garage made room for a residential building. Needless to say, this in my eyes historic building stood in Chicago.

Personally I take consolation in the fact that even a place like Peenemuende is all but forgotten and the forest is growing over the ruins today.

 

Yes, Thursday morning. Great, would be fun to have you and I keep my fingers crossed for the 348C.

If we all show up, I bet the Ferrari group will be the biggest of all the car clubs. What an amazing turn of events that would be!

 

Within limits. We still have to drive home.