Kirkwood, Missouri, welcomes 2015 Great Race and Great American Tour teams

2015 Great Race, day one – outside the hotel in Kirkwood, Missouri. Photos by Matt Litwin.

Editor’s note: Hemmings senior editor Matt Litwin is on the road with the 2015 edition of The Great Race. Look for regular updates from this year’s trek across Route 66, from Kirkwood, Missouri to Santa Monica, California.

Amid a constant threat of rain and thunderstorms, teams have descended upon Kirkwood, Missouri, for the 2015 running of the Great Race and its companion event, the Great American Tour. More than 100 pre-1972 vehicles will go through technical and safety inspection today (Thursday) beginning at 7:30 a.m. With remnants of Tropical Storm Bill expected to impact the area odds are good that other than inspection several teams will attempt to hone their skills prior to the optional Hagerty Trophy Run that begins on Friday at the Holiday Inn Route 66 at 11:30 a.m.

This Nissan Laurel is one of eight Great Race entries from Japan. The team ran the 2014 Great Race as well.

A 1991 Nissan Figaro, participating in the Great American Tour.

A second Figaro, also here for the Great American Tour.

This 1971 Fairlady Z (technically, a Nissan Z432) will be competing in The Great Race.