Four nearly four decades, Salida Rotarians have welcomed the Colorado Grand, helping turn a celebration of classic automobiles into a lasting legacy of community support.
By Eddie O'Brien
In the mid- to late-1980s, a Colorado philanthropist and enthusiast of pre-1960 race cars and sports cars of distinction envisioned an annual charity tour that would blend remarkable automobiles, camaraderie, and the inspiring beauty of Colorado.
After several years of planning, Bob Sutherland and a group of close friends launched the first Colorado Grand in 1989.
Invitations to participate in that inaugural event were sent to experienced drivers and collectors from around the world — and they came.
The tour began in Vail on Tuesday and returned to Vail on Friday, covering roughly 1,000 miles with five lunch stops and four overnight stops along the route. As the Colorado Grand organization developed, the Board was formed and each member's responsibilities were clearly defined.
The Community Liaison was charged with identifying towns along the route that could organize lunch stops, host the Grand participants, mechanics, and CSP Motors, and provide suitable parking for the cars. Salida was selected as one of the first-year lunch stops, and the Salida Rotary Club immediately embraced the opportunity. They rallied the entire community to host and celebrate the Colorado Grand, creating an atmosphere of hospitality and enthusiasm that made Salida an instant favorite among the Granders and the
Colorado Grand Board — a relationship that has continued for nearly four decades.
Over the years, the Colorado Grand has grown from 130 participants from across the United States and the world to 134 cars entered in this year's event, with the Salida Rotary Club now feeding nearly 400 drivers and support crews. Participants travel from across the United States, Europe, and Australia, united by two shared passions: driving spectacular pre-1960 race cars and sports cars of distinction on Colorado's extraordinary roads and generously supporting Colorado charities.
The Colorado State Patrol has also become an important part of the event. CSP Motors participates each year, supporting the tour and its drivers throughout the route. Their involvement reflects the strong relationship between the Colorado Grand and the State Patrol, and the event's commitment to safety, professionalism, and community partnership.
One of the major beneficiaries of the Colorado Grand's charitable giving is the CSP Family Fund, which supports Colorado State Patrol families in times of need. Following
each year's tour, the Colorado Grand Board awards grants to organizations in the communities visited along the route. Since 1989, the event has donated $11,139,003 to worthy projects across Colorado.
Thanks to the Salida Rotary's continued efforts to welcome the tour, Chaffee County organizations have received a significant share of that support. In addition to community grants, the Colorado Grand awards scholarships to graduating seniors in each lunch-stop town. To date, more than $867,500 has been awarded. Last year, a Salida senior
received a $15,000 scholarship and is now attending Wyoming Tech. Salida's tradition of hospitality, community spirit, and Rotary leadership has made it one of the most beloved stops on the Colorado Grand — a partnership that continues to enrich both the event and the community it returns to again and again.