Sunday, April 12, 2009: The most dramatic image of the Vanderbilt Cup Races
One of the stirring moments that built the legend of the Vanderbilt Cup Race occurred at the Hairpin Turn during the1906 race.
A spare tire and rim strapped to the back of the French #18 Lorraine-Dietrich broke loose and began to thrash the gas tank. Riding mechanician Franville clutched the heavy mounted tire and lost his balance. Just as the car skidded through the turn, the driver Arthur Duray handled the tight corner with one hand on the wheel while rescuing his assistant with his left arm.
Drivers navigating the Hairpin Turn can can be seen in this film.
Comments
Howard,
Your stewardship of this part of our American History is nothing short of excellent. It is hard to express thanks for bringing these videos to so many of us who share in this history of auto racing.
Thank you.
Jim Poole
Hi Jim:
Thanks for your comment!
Your grandfather Al Poole can be seen at the same Hairpin Turn in the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race film acting as the mechanician for Joe Tracy in the Locomobile.
http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/index.php/blog/article/1906_vanderbilt_cup_race_video
Enjoy,
Howard
Categories
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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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Boy, they certainly don’t race that way any more!
Viva la France!