The Great Race, America’s premiere old car rally, is coming to Saratoga Springs Thursday, June 16, and is expected to bring up to 100 antique automobiles to the city.

The overnight stop will be marked by a public event at the Saratoga Automobile Museum to mark their arrival in the Spa city.

The 2011 event, sponsored by Hemmings Motor News and Coker Tire, starts in Chattanooga, TN and finishes in Bennington, VT. Run from coast to coast from 1983-2007, it is not a speed race, but a time/speed/distance rally. The driver and navigator are given precise instructions each day that detail every move down to the second, then scored at secret check points along the way and penalized one second for each second either early or late. As in golf, the lowest score wins.

Cars start, and hopefully finish, one minute apart if all goes according to plan. The biggest part of the challenge, other than staying on time and following the instructions, is getting an old car to the finish line each day.

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) announced that the Saratoga Springs Visitors’ Trolley service will begin on Sunday, May 29 and will run through Monday, September 5, Labor Day.  

CDTA will introduce two brand new trolleys into service and feature a re-designed route that will include a stop at the Saratoga Race course.

The trolley will operate from approximately 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The last Trolley starts its run at 7:40 p.m. and finishes at 8:10 p.m.  
Riders can board the Trolley for $1.50 each ride or use CDTA prepaid passes.

SARATOGA SPRINGS- The Route 9P bridge re-opens to traffic Thursday.

The old bridge, built in 1923, was demolished last September to make way for the new span.

It was difficult for travelers because the shut-down meant detours of more than six miles.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for two p.m.

NewsChannel 13 will have the story live at 5:30 p.m.