About
The six Vanderbilt Cup Races held on Long Island from 1904 to 1910 were the greatest sporting events of their day, and the first international automobile road races held in the United States. The races had a far-reaching impact on the development of American automobiles and parkways. This site provides comprehensive information on the races, the Long Island Motor Parkway and current Long Island automotive events, car shows and news.
All Content © 2026 VanderbiltCupRaces.com
Co-Founder and Writer: Howard Kroplick
Co-Founder: Dana Kroplick
Website by Eric Miller Design
Site maintained by Hop Studios
Recent Comments
A correction! this is Clark Gable’s 1935 Model JN, maybe SJN.10 were made in 1935, if this was a supercharge model, it would be known as SJN model.
There was 2 SSJ models, the first was sold to Gary Cooper in 1935, the other was LENT by the company to Clark Gable a good customer in 1936.
From Mystery Friday Foto #14 Solved: A Special Duesenberg SSJ
Howard wonderful news Continued good vibes and looking forward to seeing you back on the road again soon Jerry and Rita
From Update Sunday, 6/29/2025: Rehab Update: Rehab at 90% Healing
Congratulations that’s the perfect and appropriate home for Tucker # 51 Hope to see it sometime JeRita
From Mike Tucker, Sean Tucker and Rob Ida's Newly Acquired Tucker #51
The track was called the 16th Street Speedway, located directly across from turn 2 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The track closed in 1959 and no longer exists.
Hansen was nicknamed the “Firecracker Kid” because he loved to throw the explosive devices under chairs and behind people who were gathered in groups.
The “Crew Carwash” is on the location of the former “Johnny Williams Auto Company” located at 1219 North Merdian Street.
The poster was from 1947, it was a preview of the 1948 Tucker, which also did laps at the Motor Speedway.
From Mystery Friday Foto #15 Solved: A Vintage 1948 Race Poster
It is the thrill of my life to finally own a Tucker Automobile! I’m over the moon for my son’s, The Idas and myself.
From Mike Tucker, Sean Tucker and Rob Ida's Newly Acquired Tucker #51
This is the Clark Gable’s Dusey! Note, the bumper is different, a couple of hood scoops on each side, regular wheels with hubcaps, rear fender skirts. The Friday Mystery Foto Solved? Most likely Gary Cooper’s Duesy?
From Mystery Friday Foto #14 Solved: A Special Duesenberg SSJ
Wow what a full circle story.
Congratulations to the Tucker team on the purchase of #1051
Can’t wait to see it in person
From Mike Tucker, Sean Tucker and Rob Ida's Newly Acquired Tucker #51
The thing to remember about Duesenbergs is that they were basically all built less coach work in 1929. At that point there were no Super Charged cars, only the J model. Some of the early cars were fitted with Super Chargers later. Many at that point were customized or re-bodied. In California there were many Duesenbergs and after 1933 when Walter Murphy closed its doors many Murphy bodies were altered. Automobile styling had drifted away from the classic clam shell front fenders to the more modern shaped Cord 810 styled fenders. Like Rolls Royce, the Duesenberg out lasted there original styling. Hence shops survived updating the designs. There were still some of these active in 1960 when I started at Art Center School. It was great fun to visit them. It was about this time when Bill Harrah started bringing his classic cars to these old school craftsmen in So Cal to do the restoration work. It was kind of the best of two worlds in those days.
From Mystery Friday Foto #14 Solved: A Special Duesenberg SSJ
Sorry Howard, I don’t know nuffin. However the invitation is still on the table for you to send one of your cars to the Fort Bragg California’s, annual Father’s Day Car Show. Come join us.
Shawn
From Mystery Friday Foto #15 Solved: A Vintage 1948 Race Poster
That poster was (obviously) for the West 16th. Street Midget Raceway that was located directly across the street from turn 2 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana. Sadly, the track closed in 1959 and was later demolished for a shopping center. There is a huge parking lot there today. Mel Hansen was known as the “Firecracker Kid” not for his racing ability but for often throwing lit firecrackers at people. 1219 North Meridian Street is now occupied by Crew Car Wash. The date of the poster is probably late 1947 or early 1948 because of the “Coming Soon” notation for the Tucker.
From Mystery Friday Foto #15 Solved: A Vintage 1948 Race Poster
16th Street Speedway
It was located across from the South entrance to Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is no longer in existence.
The Firecracker Kid. For his tendency to toss firecrackers under chairs and in groups of people.
A car wash is located where the Tucker dealership was.
April - May of 1948. Given that the Tucker 48 was scheduled for the 1948 model year advertising on a program for a Spring time event makes sense.
From Mystery Friday Foto #15 Solved: A Vintage 1948 Race Poster
The advertised racetrack is the 16th Street Speedway, formerly known as the Indianapolis Midget Speedway.
The track was located across the street from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as seen in the attached photo. It closed in 1959, but seems to have been revived in 1995, but closed again in 1999.
Hansen’s nickname was The Firecracker Kid since he liked to jokingly toss firecrackers near unsuspecting victims.
The Tucker dealership is now a Crew Car Wash (pic attached).
Although the picture of the Tucker on the poster was produced by Alex Tremulis for a February 1947 campaign, the poster most likely would have been from 1948 as the name change for the speedway happened in 1948 while it was under new ownership. The hopeful Tucker dealership must have just used the old literature they had rather than updating the drawing to at least the Tin Goose which would have been more representative of the final design for the Tucker 48.
From Mystery Friday Foto #15 Solved: A Vintage 1948 Race Poster
Patience as things heal ,than persistence with physical therapy and you will be back in the driver’s seat in a little while .Wishing you no potholes in your road to recovery .
From Update Sunday, 6/29/2025: Rehab Update: Rehab at 90% Healing
CONGRATULATIONS !!!! IT IS IN THE RIGHT HANDS…...
From Mike Tucker, Sean Tucker and Rob Ida's Newly Acquired Tucker #51
Looking forward to seeing this beauty alongside Tucker #44 someday at a special showing at the Waterfront!
From Mike Tucker, Sean Tucker and Rob Ida's Newly Acquired Tucker #51
Called Dan and I will attend and bring my 1966 Buick Wildcat
From Producer Dan Bonaventre is looking for 6-8 classic cars for a network challenge show
Dan Bonaventre has confirmed the date as Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Dan: “Just wanted to say thank you again. I’ve received more than a few inquiries and everyone has been so wonderful and generous with their time.”
From Producer Dan Bonaventre is looking for 6-8 classic cars for a network challenge show
Chris, good catch! I will confirm the date with Dan Bonaventre. Howard
From Producer Dan Bonaventre is looking for 6-8 classic cars for a network challenge show
Wednesday, April 19, 2025 is a Saturday….
From Producer Dan Bonaventre is looking for 6-8 classic cars for a network challenge show
April 29th is a Saturday
From Producer Dan Bonaventre is looking for 6-8 classic cars for a network challenge show
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