Vanderbilt Cup Races

Apr 09 2009
Willie K. Sets Land One-Mile Speed Record in 1904

Before helping to organize the Vanderbilt Cup Races, William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. was a pioneer race car driver, competing in Europe and Newport, Rhode Island from 1901 to 1903. (0 comments)

Apr 08 2009
World’s Oldest Car for Sale?

Last week, I posted my research on "Who invented the automobile?" I concluded that Karl Benz deserved credit for the 1885 Benz Patent Motorwagen. But, hold your horsepower. (2 comments)

Apr 08 2009
2009 Vanderbilt Centennial Events

Vanderbilt Centennial Celebrations have announced two major events to celebrate the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race this summer: (4 comments)

Apr 06 2009
Brochure “Harry Grant’s Own Story”

Richard, in 1911, American Locomotive Company published a promotional brochure The Vanderbilt Cup Race-Grant's Own Story. The brochure described Harry Grant's strategy in winning the Vanderbilt Cup Races in 1909 and 1910. He also gave credit to your grandfather: (2 comments)

Apr 03 2009
Film: The Great Savannah Races (1908-1911)

From 1908 to 1911, four major automobile races were held in Savannah, Georgia. Photos of the Savannah course and the four races are shown in this five-minute film. Some of the rare photos in this film are courtesy of Kim Iocovozzi from Savannah. -Grand Prize Race of the Automobile Club of America (November 26, 1908)- Won by Louis Wagner in a FIAT -American Grand Prize (November 12, 1910)- Won by David Bruce-Brown ina Benz -Vanderbilt Cup Race (November 27, 1911)- Won by Ralph Mulford in a… (4 comments)

Apr 02 2009
Louis Chevrolet-The most famous name in the Vanderbilt Cup Races

The most famous name in the Vanderbilt Cup Races held on Long Island was Louis Chevrolet. Chevrolet participated in more Vanderbilt Cup Races than any other driver (1905, 1908,1909 &1910). His name has become one of the most recognizable brands in American car history. For more information on Chevrolet, read this excellent profile by Dr. Mark DeSantis. (1 comments)

Mar 31 2009
March 2009 Highlights:VanderbiltCupRaces.com records its second best month

March was a very strong month for VanderbiltCupRaces.com with 2,385 unique visitors, up 16% from the previous year's average. This total was the second highest monthly total in the website's history, trailing only October 2008 when the centennial of the Long Island Motor Parkway was celebrated. Below is an index to the March 2008 posts. (0 comments)

Mar 30 2009
Who invented the automobile?

In his February 24, 2009 speech to Congress, President Obama stated;"I believe the nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it." Did the United States really invent the automobile? If not us, who did? Here's the results of my research. (0 comments)

Mar 29 2009
Then & Now: Entrance to the Meadow Brook Lodge from Merrick Avenue in Westbury

One of my favorite photos in the book The Long Island Motor Parkway is this 1910 image of the entrance to the Meadow Brook Lodge. (1 comments)

Mar 27 2009
Parking on the Pratt Farm for the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race

Before the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race, Nassau County farmers protested the use of public roads for the races. It was only two days before the race that their legal suit was dismissed. The farmers soon found a way to profit from the races by selling parking spaces on their properties. Parking spaces were sold for $5 to $25, more than enough to make up for the delay in bringing their produce to the city markets. (0 comments)