TRAVERSE CITY -- More than 100 classic cars hit the starting line Saturday morning in Traverse City  and took off on a 2,300 mile-long adventure called the Great Race.

Nearly 7,000 people gathered on Front Street in downtown Traverse City to check out some of the finest vintage cars in the state and get an up-close view of the start of the race.

The Great Race is a 2,300 mile long race that circles the Great Lakes and covers 19 cities, two countries and four states -- over a nine day span.

Governor Rick Snyder even made the trip up to northern Michigan to celebrate the event on Saturday. Governor Snyder had the honor of waving the green flag to officially start the race.

The Great Race was started in the 1980's and is the premier international rally for car collectors and enthusiasts.

7&4 News Today will be following the Great Race all week long.  Morning Anchors Melissa Smith and Brody O'Connell will be doing interviews with Jonathan Klinger from Hagerty Insurance, who is taking part in the race.

Make sure you wake up with the 7&4 News Today morning crew from 5:00am to 7:00am on Monday morning for the latest on the race.