Locomobile Challenges for the Lead
Robertson’s Locomobile at the Westbury Turn
The course left Jericho Turnpike at the intersection of Ellison Avenue in Westbury. In a classic Vanderbilt Cup Race moment, George Robertson in the #16 Locomobile stormed through the Westbury Turn as hoards of people lined the course.
Robertson Flies Over the Ellison Avenue Railroad Bridge
The Locomobile, the pride of Bridgeport, Connecticut, soared over the Long Island Railroad Bridge on Ellison Avenue in Westbury. Driver George Robertson ran fast enough for the car’s wheels to clear the running surface as it crested the peak of the bridge.
Robertson Heads to the Finish Line
With a lead of over four minutes, Robertson’s Locomobile began the final lap of the race apparently on his way to an easy victory. However, instead of taking a conservative pace, Robertson pushed so hard he lost control and skidded backwards off Plainview Road and destroyed one of his tires. Amazingly, the car was otherwise undamaged. Robertson’s place in history hinged on his skills and those of his riding mechanician Glenn Ethridge in changing the tire. In a swift two minutes and 10 seconds, a new tire was mounted on the rim.
Robertson’s Locomobile Wins the Race
Robertson drove the big Locomobile across the line to claim the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup. For the first time, America could finally boast victory in an auto race against international competition. Robertson averaged 67.3 mph and finished one minute and 48.2 seconds ahead of the Herb Lytle’s Isotta.
Robertson Takes the Checkered Flag
Brash and daring, 23-year-old George Robertson took the checkered flag from starter Fred Wagner before a huge crowd in the Hempstead Plains (now Levittown). Jefferson De Mont Thompson, Chairman of the Race Commission, was seen with his hands raised. Beside him to his left was the ever-vigilant referee, William K. Vanderbilt Jr. Now called “Old Number 16,” the car is currently displayed at The Henry Ford, a museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
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Feature
The 128-page book by Howard Kroplick, a researcher and lecturer on the races, contains rare images of the races from the archives of major museums, libraries and private collectors. The book Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island will be available from Arcadia Publishing in March 2008.
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