Action During the 1905 Race
Foxhall Keene Driving his Mercedes
Driving the #5 Mercedes, “Society Swell” Foxhall Keene was an active American sportsman proficient at polo, equestrian events, and pigeon shooting. In the late 1890s, some say Foxhall Keene suggested chicken a la king to the chef at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City, and originally served as Chicken à la Keene. A friend of Vanderbilt’s, Keene lived just five miles east of the starting line in his Westbury estate “Rosemary Hall.” The grandstand crowd saluted the native Long Islander after his strong start.
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.
The White Steamer Sputters in Front of Vanderbilt’s Estate
The unique 40-hp #19 White Steamer sputtered early in the race. During lap five, the steamer punctured its left front tire at the Guinea Woods Turn and limped on its rim as it passed William K. Vanderbilt Jr.’s Deepdale estate in Lake Success. Portions of the gates surrounding the Deepdale estate (left) are still standing today on Lakeville Avenue.
Louis Chevrolet in the Italian #16 F.I.A.T. in Old Westbury
As Louis Chevrolet in his 90-hp #16 F.I.A.T. made the Guinea Woods Turn on lap seven, he stood in tenth place. His car was soon out of the race as he ran into a telegraph pole at the “S” Curve at Willis Avenue and I.U. Willets Road in Albertson.
Lancia Leads Heath and Hemery -->
1905
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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