The Three Alco Racers at the 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race
The 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race was the only major race in which American Locomotive Company supplied entries besides the Black Beast. The three Alcos in the race were serviced by a team of 12 drivers, mechanicians and mechanics. As captured in this photo provided by Lee Ferbin of Springfield , Missouri, Harry Grant can be seen in the middle with his hands folded. His mechanician George Babcock was to his right. Frank Lee was standing to the far right wearing an Alco sweater and mechanic Herbert Carl Ferber, the grandfather of Lee Ferbin, was on the far left.
The three Alcos in the 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race consisted of the Black Beast and two sister cars:
Driver Harry Grant and mechanician George Babcock drove the #1 Alco Black Beast to a strong second place. Note the Bete Noir (Black Beast) logo on the side of the racer.
Driver Frank Lee and mechanican W.R. Schoonmaker drove the #5 Alco. Lee, Harry Grant's usual mechanician, finished fourth of the ten entries.
Driver Harry Hartman and mechanician James Finn drove the #7 Alco to sixth place.
Links to related posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com and the Elgin Races:
1911 Elgin National Trophy Results
Harry Grant Describes His Last Great Race with the Alco Black Beast
The Alco Black Beast’s Last Great Race
The Alco Team at the 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race
Alco Black Beast Racing History (1909-1911)
Index: Alco-6 Black Beast Racer
History of the Elgin Road Race
The Elgin Road Race Collection- The Crittenden Automotive Library
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