Vanderbilt Cup Races

May 28 2009
Vanderbilt Cup Race Art from West Wales

From the spectacular paintings of Peter Helck to the tin can art of David Wasserman, the action and passion of the Vanderbilt Cup Races have inspired artists for over 100 years. Today, David Holland, an artist specializing in motorsports from West Wales, continues to portray the drama and excitement of these races. (0 comments)

May 28 2009
Video:“The Mets Take the Field” (2009)

As described in my website profile, in addition to my passion for Long Island and auto racing history, I have been a die-hard Met fan since 1963 and can often be seen waving a large Met flag on the Excelsior level behind home plate at CitiField. My friends and I have also been included in the official video shown at every 2009 home game, just before the Mets take the field. Check out the flag-waver at the 46-second mark of this brief film. (1 comments)

May 27 2009
The Vanderbilts on their 1907 Palm Beach Vacation

In the winter of 1907, 29-year old William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. and his 32-year old wife Virginia "Birdie" went on vacation at the most luxurious hotel in Florida, The Breakers in Palm Beach. (0 comments)

May 25 2009
Joe Tracy and Old 16’s Last Great Victory

Joe Tracy drove in three Vanderbilt Cup Races (1904, 1905, and 1906). But, after driving the Locomobile to a 10th place finish in the 1906 Race, he decided to retire from racing . However, Joe never lost his love for speed and the "Old 16" Locomobile. In June 1946, Tracy was given another opportunity for glory. Peter Helck choose 73-year old Joe Tracy to drive "Old 16" at the Automotive Golden Jublilee sponsored by the Veteran Motor Club of America at the Mineola Fairgrounds. (4 comments)

May 24 2009
NY Times “How the Indianapolis Brickyard Fell Into Place”

Today's New York Times includes an article "How the Indianapolis Brickyard Fell Into Place". The article in the Automobile Section by Don Sherman provides a history of this pioneering racetrack and gives significant credit to the Long Island Motor Parkway: (0 comments)

May 22 2009
Ray Harroun in the Vanderbilt Cup Races

Tom, yes, Ray Harroun, winner of the first Indy 500 Race, drove a Marmon in the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race and the 1909 Wheatley Sweepstakes which ran concurrently with the Vanderbilt Cup Race. (0 comments)

May 22 2009
Video: “Alco-6 Black Beast Restoration Update”

The restoration of the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer will be completed by the end of June. This one-minute film highlights the progress that has been made over the last three months. Hear the engine roar! (2 comments)

May 20 2009
VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: A Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner for Sale

Have you always wanted to own a historic race car and a winner of the Vanderbilt Cup Race? No, the Alco-6 Black Beast Racer is not available. In a VanderbiltCupRaces.com exclusive, the Darraqcthat is believed to have won the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race with driver Louis Wagner is being offered for sale by its current owner, Anne Thomson of New Zealand. (2 comments)

May 19 2009
Willie K Helping to Start the 1908 Renault Racer

In addition to donating the trophy for the Vanderbilt Cup Races, William K, Vanderbilt, Jr. was a very active referee for all six races held on Long Island. As shown in this photo of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race, he was always willing to assist when needed. (0 comments)

May 19 2009
The 1907 Renault Vanderbilt Racers

The first Grand Prix was held on a 60-mile course near LeMans, France over a two-day period in June 1906. The winner was Ferenc Szisz in a new Renault Type AK powered by a large 13-liter, four-cylinder drive with a shaft drive. William K. Vanderbilt Jr. was so impressed with the performance of this racecar that he requested Renault to build smaller versions for him and his friends. A total of 10-15 Renault Vanderbilt Racers were produced with five known to exist today. (2 comments)