Vanderbilt Cup Races

“Chain your dogs and lock up your fowls!” heralded posters throughout Long Island in announcing the first international road race ever to be held in America. From 1904 to 1910, six Vanderbilt Cup Races were held on Long Island roads. Developed from the imagination of William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., great grandson of millionaire Cornelius Vanderbilt, these races were the most prestigious and thrilling auto races of their day, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to Long Island. “The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island,” will relive auto racing’s earliest triumphs including the development of the Long Island Motor Parkway- the first road built exclusively for the automobile.

The presentation "My Hunt for the Vanderbilt Cup Races & the Long Island Motor Parkway" will be given by Howard Kroplick, Town Historian of North Hempstead, on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Howard will describe his 15-year research journey including photos from the private archives of William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., rare race films and an assortment of “Vanderbilia”. Howard is considered a world expert on the Vanderbilt Cup Races and Motor Parkway and has authored three books; The Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island, The Long Island Motor Parkway (co-authored with Al Velocci) and North Hempstead.

Sponsored by the Northport-East Northport Public Library, a book-signing will follow the 7:00 PM presentation with all proceeds going to Child Abuse Prevention Services of Long Island. All are welcome to attend at the library located at 151 Laurel Avenue, Northport, NY 11768.

Location: Northport-East Northport Public Library

Address: 151 Laurel Avenue, Northport, NY 11768.

More information