MEDIA ALERT The first day of the Hemmings Motor News Great Race along historic Route 66 will kick off in Kirkwood tomorrow and will wind up in Springfield Saturday afternoon. The Great Race will feature more than 100 classic cars competing on their way to the Santa Monica Pier. The Grand Champion of the 2015 event will win $50,000, with a total purse of $150,000. The prize money is based on 100 entries. Springfield’s finish line will feature area car clubs, Route 66 vendors, music and food. Help cheer on a parade of antique, vintage and collectible autos from around the world on historic St. Louis Street to the finish line in front of the Shrine Mosque. Opening ceremonies will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Springfield Expo Center. Racers will arrive in one-minute intervals starting at 5 p.m. Classic cars will be on display 4-8:30 p.m. For more information contact Springfield Great Race Stop Chairman, David J. Eslick, at 417-889-9332 or [email protected]