For the first time this past weekend, I experienced the 24 Hours of LeMons held at the Nelson Ledges Road Track in Garrettsville and let me tell you, it was an event to remember! If you are not familiar with the 24 Hours of LeMons event, the brief description of it is a 24 hour race of cobbled together cars that have a total value of $500 or less (not including the cost of safety equipment such as a roll cage and safety harness). You can get all the details by visiting their website at www.24hoursoflemons.com. Some people may call it a “mockery of racing” but most just call it a good time.
Over 130 race cars entered the event—the most in LeMons history. Race teams showed up from all over the eastern United States and Canada with their race cars held together by JB-weld, bondo and even duck tape. Each team and car had their own story and personality—everything from a 1987 Russian-built Lada Signet to a 1961 pink Cadillac and a Chevy “Vanamino.” Battling Ohio’s wet, windy and cold weather, about 120 race cars entered the track at Noon on Saturday as the green flag dropped (those who didn’t start the race were ones who did not pass inspection—it may not seem like it, but the race does actually have standards!)
1987 Lada Signet
When the checkered flag dropped at Noon on Sunday, about half of the cars remained on the track— those who did not make the checkered flag faced everything from blown tires to blown engines. A 1996 Nissan 200SX driven by a team racing for the benefit of breast cancer awareness technically won the LeMons race. However, many say that the real winner is the car that earns the “Index of Effluency award”—which went to the 1987 Lada Signet driven by the Total Loss Race Team from Traverse City, Michigan. Both teams received a trophy and $1,000 prize— awarded completely in nickels.
Did any of you have the chance to witness the excitement of the 24 Hours of Lemon’s Lamest Day race? What was your favorite race team/car or story from the race? There were so many of them out there I am sure I missed many of the “interesting” ones!
The Lamest Day Winner 1996 Nissan 200SX
Chevy "Vanamino"
Team Ded Bull
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By far, this was the most fun race I attended all year. The rustic state of the Nelson Ledges facility lent itself perfectly to this event. I hope they come back next year 'cause I'll be racin'!