1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
-
Nov 22 2009
The Public Roads of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race Course
J, you are correct, the 1908 course ended at the then western terminus of the Motor Parkway near the Bethpage Lodge at Round Swamp Road. The drivers made a left turn and went about 200 feet on Round Swamp Road before turning on to Manetto Hill Road (now called Old Bethpage Road).
-
Nov 07 2009
Driver Profile: William Luttgen Part IV -The 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race
In response to a Luttgen family request, this week I have been profiling William Luttgen, who participated in four Vanderbilt Cup Races as a driver and mechanician. Prior posts included his initial success as a driver (1904), his dramatic experince as a mechanician (1905) and his return as a driver (1906). Today, we conclude the profile describing Luttgen's best ride in the memorable 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
-
Sep 26 2009
Chicken à la King, Foxhall Keene and the Vanderbilt Cup Races
The hometown favorite of the 1905 and 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Races was millionaire sportsman and Wall Street broker Foxhall Keene. Although proficient in auto racing, polo, equestrian riding, football and shooting, it was a food dish where Keene made his name. But first, let's discuss Keene's Vanderbilt Cup racing career.
-
Sep 23 2009
Film “Old 16 Locomobile”
This five-minute film pays tribute to an American racing legend, Old 16, winner of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
-
Jul 05 2009
Film “The Last Race for Old 16 and Joe Tracy?” (1946)
In June 1946, the Veteran Motor Car Club of America sponsored its 50th Anniversary Jubilee featuring a parade of 75 vintage cars and nine races at the Mineola Fair Grounds on Long Island. Courtesy of Walter McCarthy and the Long Island Old Car Club, the highlights of the Jubilee have been captured in this 4-minute film.
-
Jun 30 2009
Then & Now: The Massapequa Lodge
Continuing our "Then and Now" series, this photo captured Old 16, the eventual winner of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race, climbing the Long Island Motor Prarkway bridge over Massapequa-Hicksville Road. To the right is the Massapqua Lodge, one of the three John Russell Pope-designed toll lodges opened in 1908.
-
Jun 27 2009
Film “The Levittown Vanderbilt Cup Race Grandstand”
Mush, I have several hundred photos of the races that went throught the heart of the Hempstead Plains, now Levittown, from 1908 to 1910. I will be more than happy to send you copies of some of my favorites.
-
Jun 20 2009
Louis Chevrolet, Joe Tracy and the 1908 Matheson Team
The Matheson Automobile Company of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania made a strong effort to win the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race. They hired Louis Chevrolet as one of the drivers for their two entrants and selected retired veteran driver Joe Tracy as their team manager.
-
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.
-
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.
