The 1910 Start
The Line-Up from the Press and Officials Stand
The starting formation for the race was shown from atop the double-deck press and officials’ stand where a bugler blew horn blasts as cars came into view. Starter Fred Wagner lined up odd numbered cars to the inside of the course, and even numbered cars to the outside. Just to the left of the row of cars were the sunken pits where crews huddled with supplies.
Touring Cars at the Start
A row of touring cars parked at the inside of the course on the right at the start of the race. These were prized parking spots as many people viewed the race from their cars.
Pit Crew Awaits Action
A pit crew awaited a call to action. Each pit was five feet deep and stocked with tools, tires, fuel, oil, water and other supplies to keep each car running smoothly during the race. In a change from previous Vanderbilt Cup Races where only the driver and riding mechanician were allowed to work on the car, new rules for 1910 allowed two of the pit crew to assist as well. However, this assistance was limited to the replenishment of water, oil, fuel and the replacement of tires. These crew members could also crank start the car.
Action During the 1910 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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