The Fireball Run has been described as more than a rally. It is part race, part scavenger hunt and part reality TV show. Twenty-three teams made up of astronauts, actors, corporate leaders, and adventure seekers are in the midst of tackling a drive of nearly 2,000 miles across America this season, following cryptic clues that send them to towns like Perryville — which was the first stop along the way after the race began in Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City. Now in its 12th year, the series has become a social-media-driven phenomenon. But what makes Fireball Run unique isn’t just the competition. Since 2007, each team has carried posters of missing children, distributing thousands along their route — an effort that has helped recover 53 kids.
Hospitality on display
When the cars rolled into Perryville on Thursday afternoon, racers were given clues to 12 local destinations, where they completed missions for points. Trish Erzfeld, Perry County tourism director, said the teams were impressed.
“Everyone enjoyed our town. They thought it was beautiful,” she said. “They were blown away by the hospitality. Everyone was so friendly and helpful.”
That evening, the community hosted a “Taste of Perryville” dinner on the square featuring dishes from local restaurants. Erzfeld said the racers raved about the food, many regretting they couldn’t sample everything. “Their plates were overflowing,” she said. “They all commented that everything was top notch and very delicious.”
More than a race
The event also sparked generosity. One racer, after learning about the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace, pledged $10,200 to help provide beds for local children without them. “Right there I knew we were winners,” Erzfeld said. “That’s the kind of impact that makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Erzfeld praised the collaboration among the city, county, chamber of commerce, and local businesses in preparing for the event. “We don’t let the size of our community dictate what we’re capable of doing,” she said. “They saw the caliber of our museums, cultural sites, and the mindset of our people.”
Farewell send-off
On Friday morning, the 23 race cars lined North Jackson Street for their departure to Paducah, Ky. The atmosphere was bustling as teams posed for photos, chatted with spectators, and coordinated with production crews.
Mayor Larry Riney was unable to attend, so Perryville City Administrator Brent Buerck stepped in to thank the racers for stopping in Perryville and wished them safe journeys in the days ahead.
Buerck shook hands with every driver and then waved the flag to start the next leg. “We actually had to do three takes,” he laughed. “It was clearly other duties as assigned,” Buerck joked. “The mayor had his wife at a doctor’s appointment, so somebody had to be here. I was honored to do so.”
As the cars pulled away under police escort, Erzfeld reflected on the experience: “We really made Perryville shine. The racers said they loved our town, and some promised to come back. That’s the best kind of publicity — word of mouth.”
