The 1904 Finish
Crowds Venture on the Course
After five laps, only nine of the 18 starters were still running. Restless spectators ventured dangerously out onto Jericho Turnpike near the Westbury grandstand, searching for the few remaining approaching cars.
George Heath Wins Averaging 52.2 MPH
One of the most noteworthy photographers of the early 20th Century, Russian immigrant Nathan Lazarnick captured the winning moment of the race. After six hours, 56 minutes, and 45 seconds, George Heath’s Panhard was the first car over the finish line, averaging 52.2 mph. Only one minute and 26 seconds behind in total time, the Clement-Bayard finished in second place. With the two leaders having completed the race, the crowds near the grandstand swarmed onto the course. Fearful for the lives of the spectators and drivers, the race was stopped. When the race was called, the American Pope-Toledo driven by Herb Lytle was in third place.
Clement Protests Race
An anguished Clement, his face coated with oil and dust, approached race referee Vanderbilt immediately after the race. Clement protested that he was unfairly delayed at the Hicksville and Hempstead Controls. In a late night meeting at their Garden City Hotel Headquarters the Vanderbilt Race Commission, led by Vanderbilt, denied the protest and declared Heath’s Panhard the winner. The Vanderbilt Cup was awarded to France.
Profile of the Winner George Heath
Born in America and a British citizen living in Paris, George Heath had the greatest year of his racing career in 1904. The Panhard employee not only won the Vanderbilt Cup, but also claimed victory in the 1904 Circuit des Ardennes in Belgium in July. After winning the first Vanderbilt Cup Race, Heath said “My control of my machine is instinctive. I know at all times just what speed I am making. Constant practice enables me to do these things. I like to travel fast, and I like to handle my car at great speed.”
50 Years After the Race -->
Motor Pkwy
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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