Classic automobiles, automotive history, and Route 66 enthusiasts came together Saturday, June 27, as the 2026 Hemmings Great Race made its highly anticipated stop at San Manuel Stadium, home of the Inland Empire 66ers. Hundreds of spectators gathered throughout the afternoon to welcome the antique vehicles as they completed the day's leg from Twentynine Palms, celebrating both America's automotive heritage and the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66.
While the beautifully restored vintage automobiles captivated the crowd, the event also held special significance for members of the automotive education community with longstanding ties to San Bernardino.
Among the participants was Cindy Barlow of WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming. Barlow, who has played a key role in rebuilding the nationally recognized automotive trade school, competed alongside the Jessie Combs Foundation team in a classic Chevrolet Blazer. Their participation honored the legacy of the late professional racer, fabricator, and WyoTech graduate Jessie Combs while highlighting the importance of technical education and skilled trades.
Barlow's appearance also brought back memories of decades-long partnerships that helped connect WyoTech with the Inland Empire.
Years ago, support from the Bridgestone Trust Fund and Firestone Complete Auto Care stores provided the seed funding needed to establish what would become the WTI Foundation. Under the leadership of its first executive director, Dale Eslinger, the foundation grew through the support of corporate partners and donors committed to helping students pursue careers in the automotive industry.
One of the foundation's most successful projects came through a partnership with renowned automotive designer Chip Foose during the filming of the television program Overhaulin'. Together, they created the custom-built "Speedaire," a one-of-a-kind vehicle that toured automotive events across the country before ultimately being auctioned to benefit the WTI Foundation Scholarship Fund.
The sale of the Speedaire generated significant scholarship funding, helping future automotive technicians receive the education and training needed to launch successful careers.
The Speedaire also forged an important connection with San Bernardino.
The vehicle appeared at the original Route 66 Rendezvous, where it became one of the featured attractions during the city's nationally recognized classic car celebration. During one memorable cruise through downtown San Bernardino, local automotive supporters had the opportunity to drive the Speedaire along the same historic streets that made Route 66 famous.
Those appearances strengthened the relationship between WyoTech, the WTI Foundation, and San Bernardino's automotive community. In later years, Chip Foose himself attended Route 66 Rendezvous, further solidifying the city's reputation as one of Southern California's premier destinations for classic car enthusiasts.
Saturday's Great Race continued that tradition.
Unlike a traditional car show, the Hemmings Great Race is a competitive time-speed-distance rally featuring more than 100 antique automobiles built before 1975. Rather than racing for speed, drivers rely on precision navigation and timing while traveling thousands of miles across the country. This year's route followed much of historic Route 66 in honor of the highway's centennial, bringing participants through communities that have long celebrated America's love affair with the automobile.
For San Bernardino, the Great Race served as more than just a stop along the route. It celebrated generations of craftsmanship, automotive innovation, technical education, and the enduring spirit of Route 66. The event provided residents and visitors alike an opportunity to experience rolling pieces of history while honoring the people and partnerships that have helped preserve America's rich automotive heritage for future generations.