Jan 9, 2008

Making a Dream Come Alive

Luke Rizzuto is long-time car enthusiast and is hopeful of competing in the 2008 version of the Great Race. The only thing he needs is money -- perhaps your money. In a bit of chutzpah that seems entirely excusable, Rizzuto has announced that he is looking for "investors, sponsors or donations" in support of his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the 100th anniversary of the world's most historic automobile adventure, the aforementioned 2008 Great Race.

The event begins in New York City on May 30 and ends at the Eiffel Tower in Paris August 2. In between, the participants drive almost literally around the world with the exception of the oceans that get in the way.

So how much scratch is he looking for? He didn't say, but he did say the top sponsor/supporter will have the opportunity to join his racing team and ride in the car for the duration of the 65-day, 22,000-mile race through 13 countries. (Hmmmm, consider that possibility for awhile.) From New York, the race covers nearly 3,300 miles to Vancouver, where cars will be airlifted to Beijing for the beginning of a 6,000-mile route through Kazakhstan, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Continuing through Europe, the drivers will tour Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zurich, Dijon and Rheims before arriving at the finish line in Paris.

Just 40 cars from around the world will participate. With only seven 1918 Chevy V8 touring cars known to exist, Rizzuto's 90-year-old example of the species was invited to participate because of its pristine condition and rarity. Ironically enough, the early Chevy was formerly part of the Henry Ford Museum collection.