be in the race—
1. compete for smth. such as public office, etc.:
- Morris Udall, the “liberal-progressive” spear carrier, will have to win to stay in the race.
2. (negat.) not have a chance of winning or obtaining smth.:
- A few years ago he wouldn’t have been in the race to own a car like that.
make the race — = be in the race 1:
- He might perhaps consider making the Senate race.