The Vanderbilt Cup Races

The 1906 American Elimination Trial

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

1906 VCR Website Joe Tracy Provides a Ride for 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.

Tracy and Poole Practicing in Lakeville

Veteran Vanderbilt Cup Race driver Joe Tracy (right) and his riding mechanician Al Poole gave their new 90-hp Locomobile a practice run around their Lakeville Hotel headquarters near Lake Success. Tracy won the American Elimination Trial after battling for much of the distance with Hubert LeBlon’s Thomas entry. Tracy averaged 52.3 mph for the 297 mile race.

Lee Frayer and Eddie Rickenbacker At the Start

1906 VCR Website Lee Frayer and Eddie Rickenbacker

Another innovative machine showcased in the 1906 American Elimination Trial was the unique, air-cooled Frayer-Miller entry with designer Lee Frayer (right) at the wheel. Frayer’s riding mechanician, 16-year-old Eddie Rickenbacker (left), was arguably the most significant historical figure present that day. Rickenbacker later drove in both the 1915 and the 1916 Vanderbilt Cup Races and five Indianapolis 500 Races. He even purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1927. His greatest moments came from his career in aviation, where he became America’s World War I flying ace and, later in life, rose to President and General Manager of Eastern Airlines. Click here for a summary of Eddie’s racing career.

Preparing for the 1906 Race -->

1906

Years

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.

continue reading-->