Vanderbilt Cup Races

St. Louis

Missouri's governor approved the use of the National Guard to police the course. 

Various automobile clubs in St. Louis supported the proposal. 

Savannah

Jefferson DeMont Thompson was authorized to investigate St. Louis and Savannah as possible sites after a meeting of race officials, including Willie K.  Note the definition of an "amateur" racer. 

Vanderbilt and Thompson were honorary referees at the Savannah stock car races to help decide if the track was a viable option for the Vanderbilt Cup Race.  (The Waycross Weekly Herald Mar. 14, 1908)

Georgia's governor also pledged sufficient troops to guard the course. 

According to this writer the stock car races in Savannah had shown the city to be a viable location to attract racing fans to the "Solid South";  ". . . the best thing that could happen for the "Southern" interests."

Connecticut

The Bridgeport Automobile Club was also interested in bringing the Vanderbilt Cup Race to Connecticut.  A.L. Riker of Locomobile fame was chosen to lead a committee to investigate a suitable course. 

Two factors needed to be considered: the vast amount of money that the race would bring to CT and the need to revise a law banning automobile racing in the state.   The governor was in support of the revision, however the full legislature would need to approve. 

And it appears the State Highway Commissioner was not in favor of hosting the race in CT.  (Waterbury Evening Democrat May 7, 1908)

Georgia newspapers highlighted the fact that Georgia did not have the same type of restrictions on auto racing that Connecticut did and thus Savannah should be favored.  (The Augusta Herald May 1, 1908)

And Finally, Long Island is Mentioned

The question of holding the race near a major population center had its advantageous and disadvantages. 

According to this article Long Island was not in an enviable position due to several reasons including delays building the Motor Parkway and problems policing the course.

Decisions, Decisions

Negotiations were underway in April with Missouri, Georgia and Connecticut according to Racing Board Chairman Thompson. 

Automobile manufactures at the Racing Board's meeting supported the idea of an annual international stock car race based on the success of the Savannah races.  If all manufacturers would support this, Thompson volunteered to donate the "Jefferson DuMont Thompson Cup" valued at $3,000 to the American Automobile Association which would be competed for solely by stock cars.  A bit of rivalry between Thompson, Vanderbilt and Glidden?

Savannah appears to be the favorite choice for the Vanderbilt Cup Race!

As we know all did not go according to the plan of the Georgia officials as Long Island eventually was chosen to host the race.   As an aside, I'm trying to locate the photo mentioned in the last paragraph - sound familiar to anyone?  (Toot Toot May, 1908)

The official 1908 course on Long Island showing the approval by Jefferson DeMont Thompson.