Starting Lineup: The 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
For the last post of 2009, here are the 17 cars that competed in the third Vanderbilt Cup Race held on October 6,1906. Remember to click on the photos to enlarge the image.
The 1906 race was won by the #10 Darracq driven by Louis Wagner, the third consecutive Vanderbilt Cup Race victory by France. The race was documented in this film.
#1 Thomas (USA) driven by Hubert Le Blon, 115 HP. Finished 8th. Running in last lap when race was called. Averaged 51.3 mph.
#2 Panhard (France) by 1904 winner George Heath, 120 HP. Finished 9th. Running in Lap 9 when race was called. Averaged 49.7 mph.
#3 Mercedes (Germany) driven by Camille Jenatzy, 120 HP. Finished 5th. Completed all 10 laps. Averaged 58.5 mph.
#4 Fiat (Italy) driven by Vincenzo Lancia, 120 HP. Finished 2nd. Completed all 10 laps. Averaged 60.7 mph.
#5 Frayer-Miller (USA) driven by Frank Lawwell, 110 HP. Finished 16th. Broke fan during Lap 5.
#6 Hotchkiss (France) driven by William K.Vanderbilt Jr.'s cousin Elliot Shepard, 130 HP. Finished 15th. Killed spectator in Mineola during Lap 7. Stopped at East Norwich.
#7 Mercedes (Germany) driven by William Luttgen, 120 HP. Finished 11th. Running in Lap 9 when race was called. Averaged 48.2 mph.
#8 Fiat (Italy) driven by Felice Nazzaro, 120 HP. Finished 6th. Still running in Lap 10 when race was called. Averaged 54.8 mph.
#9 Locomobile (USA) driven by Joe Tracy, 90 HP. Finished 10th. Made fastest lap of the race averaging 67.7 mph. Still running in Lap #9 when race was called. Averaged 48.7 mph.
#10 Darracq (France) driven by Louis Wagner, 100 HP. Finished 1st. Finished 3 minutes and 16 seconds ahead of Lancia. Averaged 62.7 mph.
#12 Itala (Italy) driven by Alessandro Cagno, 120 HP. Finished 7th. Running in Lap 10 when race was called. Averaged 52.3 mph.
#14 Haynes (USA) driven by John Haynes, 50 HP. Finished 14th. Running in Lap 8 when race was called. Averaged 44.3 mph.
#15 Clement-Bayard (France) driven by Albert Clement, 100 HP. Finished 4th. Completed all ten laps. Averaged 59.0 mph.
#16 Fiat (Italy) driven by Dr. Aldo Weilschott, 120 HP. Finished 17th. Broke gear during first lap in Mineola.
#17 Christie (USA) driven by Walter Christie, 50 HP. Finished 13th. Running in Lap 8 when race was called. Averaged 44.7 mph.
#18 Lorraine-Dietrich (France) driven by Arthur Duray, 120 HP. Finished 3rd, only 16 seconds behind Lancia. Averaged 60.7 mph.
#19 Itala (Italy) driven by Maurice Fabry,120 HP. Finished 12th. Running in Lap 8 when race was called. Averaged 47.8 mph.
Links to related posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Comments
Quite phenomenal the level of international factory competition in this race with entries from the US, France, Germany and Italy.
This speaks to the tremendous passion with which these pioneers embraced the automobile age.
Great images, Howard. You are doing much to enrich the Internet with wonderful early auto racing history.
I just discovered your website. My grandfather’s uncle was Hubert Le Blon. I enjoyed your coverage of the Vanderbilt Cup Race. Can you suggest any sources for other photos of Hubert Le Blon? Thank you. Vince
Hi Vince:
Thanks for finding VanderbiltCupRaces.com!
I will post some of my photos of your grandfather’s uncle tonight!
Howard Kroplick 1/12/2009
Hi Vince:
Here’s the link to photos of Hubert Le Blon.
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/index.php/blog/article/wednesday_january_13_2010_driver_profile_hubert_le_blon
Howard