Locomobile #7  (1905)

Joe Tracy Provides a Ride for “Sob Sister” Ada Patterson (1906)
Joe Tracy Provides a Ride for “Sob Sister” Ada Patterson

Prior to the 1906 American Elimination Trial, driver Joe Tracy gave Hearst journalist Ada Patterson a ride in the 90-hp Locomobile entry.  Patterson was one of the original “sob sister” reporters known for investigative exposes that led to reform of public institutions.

The American #7 Locomobile at the Start (1905)
The American #7 Locomobile at the Start
Courtesy of The National Automotive History Collection at the Detroit Public Library

Popular American driver Joe Tracy and his riding mechanician Al Poole received a resounding ovation when they approached the line in the 90-hp #7 Locomobile. The second place finisher in the American Elimination Trial, the red Locomobile was as powerful as any American entry and, at 1,195 cubic inches, had the biggest engine in the race.

The Locomobile Passes Krug’s Hotel in Mineola (1905)
The Locomobile Passes Krug’s Hotel in Mineola

Joe Tracy was driving a steady race in his #7 Locomobile as it passed Krug’s Hotel on Jericho Turnpike in Mineola. Krug’s Hotel was a favorite spot for teams and enthusiasts alike. During the years the course ran directly past the hotel, spectators stationed there were nicknamed “Krug’s Klockers” because of their enthusiasm for timing practice runs.

Locomobile Finishes Race As Lancia Looks On (1905)
Locomobile Finishes Race As Lancia Looks On
Courtesy of The Helck Family Collection

Within a minute of Lancia’s finish, Tracy’s Locomobile (right) crossed the finish line while the disappointed Lancia watched in his car. Tracy had done the seemingly impossible by making up time on the flying Italian and beating Lancia by two minutes and five seconds, averaging 56.9 mph. The third place finish was the first time an American car had ever placed in an international competition.

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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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Related Images

Joe Tracy Provides a Ride for “Sob Sister” Ada Patterson The American #7 Locomobile at the Start Locomobile Finishes Race As Lancia Looks On The Locomobile Passes Krug’s Hotel in Mineola