Vanderbilt Cup Races

Mar 26 2009
Then & Now: The Roslyn Lodge and the Motor Parkway Bridge over Roslyn Road

Residents of Roslyn, East Hills, East Williston and Albertson are often very surprised to find out that an automobile bridge existed over Roslyn Road from 1909 to 1939 and that remnants of the bridge exist today. In this 1928 photo, courtesy of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, the Long Island Motor Parkway bridge over Roslyn Road can be seen in the distance. The Roslyn Lodge, one of the original six lodges designed by John Russell Pope, can be seen to the right. (1 comments)

Mar 24 2009
Motor Parkway Presentation in Queens

Al Velocci and I focused last Sunday on the Queens section of the Long Island Motor Parkway at a Queens Historical Society presentation. (0 comments)

Mar 23 2009
1908 Locomobile Trophy Purchased for $128,700

Two weeks before the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race, driver George Robertson won the 200-mile Fairmont Park Motor Race with Irving Morse's 40 HP Locomobile. Robertson was rewarded with $2,500 while Morse (related to the Samuel "Morse Code" Morse) received a 31-pound, 3-foot sterling silver trophy "The Founders' Week Cup". On Sunday, this magnificent trophy was purchased for $128,700 by an unknown buyer at a Detroit auction. The purchase price was over five times higher that the $15,000-$25,000… (1 comments)

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 toast of Old Paddy's Irish Wiskey. (0 comments)

Mar 20 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. (3 comments)

Mar 19 2009
Book Review: Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island

In a recent issue of Vintage Sports Car , my book Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island was reviewed by Tony Carroll, Secretary of the Vintage Sports Car Club of America, Inc. Here are the highlights: (0 comments)

Mar 17 2009
The Classic Cars of Cuba: 60 Classic Cars in 6 Minutes!

As posted last week, I was one of 25 Long Islanders who recently visited Cuba on a government-approved mission. During the five days of this adventure, I also documented the classic American cars still operating on the streets of Havana. In this six-minute film in the Blog, you will see over 60 classic cars including; Chevrolets, Dodges, Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, Fords, and Cadillacs. (2 comments)

Mar 16 2009
A cup of coffee at the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup

The Vanderbilt Cup Races attracted all types of entrepreneurs to Long Island. Farmers sold parking spaces for $25, while hawkers sold trinkets, pennants and programs for 25 cents. However, the busiest temporary store is shown here, where spectators could purchase coffee for 5 cents a cup. (0 comments)

Mar 15 2009
Look, up in the sky, it’s the space shuttle!

Okay, today's post has nothing to do with the Vanderbilt Cup Races, the Long Island Motor Parkway or even classic American cars in Havana. But, it is relevant to transportation!! (2 comments)

Mar 14 2009
Old 16 at the 1952 Bridgehampton Road Race

To help promote the 1952 Bridgehampton Road Race, owner Peter Helck and his son Jerry Helck brought Old 16, the winner of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race, to the course. Joe Tracy, who drove in the 1904, 1905 and 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races, can be seen in the driver's seat. Peter Helck is standing to the right of the Locomobile wearing his trademark beret. This previously unpublished photo was provided by Jerry Helck, who can be seen standing to the left of Tracy. (0 comments)