Joe Tracy

Participated in five races associated with the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1906)

Nationality: Ireland later United States
Born: March 22, 1873 Waterford, Ireland
Died: March 20,1959 Long Island, NY 86 Years


Joe Tracy was a race driver and engineer born on March 22, 1873 in Waterford, Ireland. At the age of 18, Joe emigrated to the United States and became an American citizen. Soon after, he became a professional chauffeur and race driver.

Related Posts


  • Jan 31 2012

    Then & Now: Krug’s Corner in Mineola

    Krug's Hotel, on the north-west corner of Jericho Turnpike and Willis Avenue in Mineola, was a favorite viewing site for the 1904, 1905 and 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races. This Then & Now look found a rarity- A building on the Vanderbilt Cup Race course that is still standing!

  • Dec 10 2011

    Then & Now: The 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race “S Turn” in Albertson

    One of the most exciting places to watch the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race was the "S Turn" at the intersection of I.U.Willets Road and Willis Avenue in Albertson.

  • Nov 26 2011

    Film “The Greatest Vintage Automobile Event Ever Held on Long Island”

    In my opinion, the greatest vintage automobile event ever held on Long Island occurred on October 9, 1954 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Vanderbilt Cup Race. The event was organized by Long Island Old Car Club and the Mineola Fair and Industrial Exposition.

  • Nov 19 2011

    The 50th Anniversary of the First Vanderbilt Cup Race on October 9, 1954

    The Vanderbilt Cup Races have been celebrated by vintage car clubs and historical organizations for over 75 years. The grandest and most memorable celebration was held on Long Island on October 9, 1954, marking the 50th anniversary of the first Vanderbilt Cup Race.

  • Aug 27 2011

    A Tribute to the Mechanicians of the Vanderbilt Cup Races

    Every race car that participated in the Vanderbilt Cup Races of 1904 to 1910 carried two men, the driver and a riding mechanic called a mechanician. The mechanician assisted with repairs, helped navigate the course, and, when needed, worked a hand pump to maintain fuel pressure. The mechanician was the…

  • Feb 05 2011

    Rare Images Series #2: Vanderbilt Cup Race Driver Joe Tracy

    Joe Tracy (1873-1959) was the only driver to participate in the first five races associated with the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race, the 1905 American Elimination Race, the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race, the 1906 American Elimination Race, and the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race). As part of the Rare…

  • Dec 23 2010

    Prominent Women of the Vanderbilt Cup Races

    The daybreak start of the Vanderbilt Cup Races attracted thousands of adventurous men and women who streamed into Long Island from New York City. With hotels and roadhouses overflowing, they camped, gambled, drank, socialized, and established a tradition of revelry that became a hallmark of the event. Women made up…

  • Aug 01 2010

    Archives: 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race

    Links to related posts on VanderbiltCupRaces.com (Updated: December 31, 2011):

  • Aug 01 2010

    Archives: 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race

    Links to posts related to VanderbiltCupRaces.com (Updated: December 31, 2011):

  • Aug 01 2010

    Archives: 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race

    Links to posts related to the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race (Updated: December 31, 2011):

  • Jul 31 2010

    Archives: Joe Tracy

    Posts related to driver Joe Tracy Updated: September 24, 2011:

  • Jun 10 2010

    The Royal Tourist in the Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904-1910)

    In 1903 Edward Schurmer acquired control of the Hoffman Automobile and Manufacturing Company based in Cleveland, Ohio. He reorganized the company as the Royal Motor Car Company for the production of a new car called the Royal Tourist. As with many other automobile companies, Royal promoted their cars by…

  • Feb 28 2010

    The Amazing and Continuing Saga of the 1906 Locomobile Twins- Part II

    In response to Dean B's email, last Sunday, I started the story of the 1906 Locomobile twins. Here's a recap and Part II.

  • Feb 27 2010

    The Amazing and Continuing Saga of the 1906 Locomobile Twins- Part I

    Dean, thanks for forwarding your neighbor's recollection and for asking the question. I have heard the story of the discarded Locomobiles....from articles by Peter Helck (1893-1988), the great American artist and former owner of the "Old 16" Locomobile. But, let's start at the beginning.

  • Jul 05 2009

    Film “The Last Race for Old 16 and Joe Tracy?” (1946)

    In June 1946, the Veteran Motor Car Club of America sponsored its 50th Anniversary Jubilee featuring a parade of 75 vintage cars and nine races at the Mineola Fairgrounds on Long Island. Courtesy of Walter McCarthy and the Long Island Old Car Club, the highlights of the Jubilee have been…

  • Jun 20 2009

    Louis Chevrolet, Joe Tracy and the 1908 Matheson Team

    The Matheson Automobile Company of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania made a strong effort to win the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race. They hired Louis Chevrolet as one of the drivers for their two entrants and selected retired veteran driver Joe Tracy as their team manager.

  • Apr 24 2009

    Guy Frost’s Favorite Vanderbilt Cup Race Photo

    Guy Frost, chairman of the Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations, has selected this photo as his favorite Vanderbilt Cup Race image. Taken during the 1908 race, referee William K. Vanderbilt Jr. is seen discussing the action with retired driver Joe Tracy. Joe drove in three Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904, 1905…

  • Mar 21 2009

    Joe Tracy Honored By Race Fans

    On the 50th anniversary of the death of Joe Tracy, a group of race fans honored the Vanderbilt Cup Race driver with a visit to his gravesite on Long Island. Led by Tony Carroll, Secretary of the Vintage Sports Car Club of America, Joe was honored yesterday with a…

  • Mar 19 2009

    Film: A Tribute to Joe Tracy

    Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Joe Tracy , one of the best Vanderbilt Cup Race drivers. In tribute to Joe and his mechanican Al Poole, I have placed a five-minute film of their racing careers in the Blog.

  • Mar 10 2008

    Film “The 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race”