Vanderbilt Cup Races

As Louis Wagner was about to win the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race in the #10 Darracq, starter Fred Wagner waved what is believed to be the first checkered flag used to signify the finish of an auto race. Here are the winners of the six Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island...the last four receiving a checkered flag from Fred Wagner. Remember to click on the image to enlarge it.

1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race: George Heath winning in a Panhard (France), averaging 52.2 mph. A white flag signified the end of the final lap.

1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race: Victory Hemery winning in a Darracq (France), averaging 61.4 mph. A red or yellow flag signified the end of the final lap.

1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race: Louis Wagner winning in a Darracq (France), averaging 60.8 mph. First known use of a checkered flag to signify the finish of an automobile race. The starter was Fred Wagner

1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race: George Robertson winning in a Locomobile (USA). First American car to win the Vanderbilt Cup Race.

1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race: Harry Grant winning in an Alco (USA), averaging 62.8 mph.

1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race:Harry Grant winning in an Alco (USA), averaging 65.18 mph. First car and driver to win consecutive Vanderbilt Cup Races.

February 17, 2010 Update: Bill B: Does anyone know the use of the other flags?

Bill, as shown below, the meaning of the flags used during the 1904 to 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races changed every year. NASCAR is worried about potholes on their tracks...Vanderbilt was concerned about trains and runaway horses!

-1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race Instructions to Special Officers at Highway Crossings:

"In case a runaway horse gets on the course, use your red flag to warn the racers."

"Waving your white flag, or keeping it in view, serves to remind them the course is clear."

-1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race Instructions to Contestants:

"Bear in mind that the RED FLAG means "Everything All Right."

"Bear in mind that the YELLOW FLAG means "Danger," and therefore use extreme caution."

"Obey promptly the YELLOW FLAG signal, which will be given at the "Start and Finish" line at the conclusion of the race."

"Evey turn and crossroad will be guarded by flagmen, whose "ALL-RIGHT" signal will be a RED FLAG, and whose "DANGER" warning will be a YELLOW FLAG."

"Contestants are particularly warned to give prompt heed to the YELLOW FLAG at the two railroad crossings, and be prepared to come to a full stop.

"Again, keep in mind that the RED FLAG means "ALL RIGHT," and the YELLOW FLAG means "DANGER".

-1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race Instructions to Special Officers and Flagmen:

"In case a runaway horse gets on the course, use your YELLOW FLAG to warn the contestants."

"Waving your RED FLAG, or keeping it in view, serves to remind the contestants that the course is clear."

"Bear in mind that the RED FLAG is a warning to spectators that a car is coming, and is a sign to contestants that the course is clear."

"Bear in mind that the YELOW FLAG is a warning to the contestants that there is danger ahead, and to use extreme caution or stop."

The use of the white flags (and two horses!) during the 1904 race can be seen at the 35 second mark of this remarkable film.

The use of the checkered flag seen at the end of the 1906 race was not mentioned in any of the official instructions and did not even get a mention in articles describing the race. Unfortunately, it was not seen in this film of the 1906 race.