The Great Race (formerly known as the Great American Race) is somewhat of a misnomer. It is actually a club rally for street-legal vintage automobiles at least 45 years old. Vehicles must use original factory parts, and modern navigational aids like GPS are prohibited.

Points are awarded, not on the basis of speed, but on the accuracy of a driver and navigator to match a time and average speed over a predetermined course. Points are also awarded on a handicap system that awards bonus points to older vehicles. Prizes are awarded in several categories, including the "X-Cup" for high school teams.