Vanderbilt Cup Races

Johannes:

Grandpa was Edward Parker who drove the #14 Fiat to a second-place finish in the 1909 Vanderbilt Cup. Here is an image of Parker driving during the race: http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/index.php/drivers/driver/parker .

This is also a link to Edward Parker’s driving record from 1909 to 1911: http://www.champcarstats.com/drivers/ParkerEdward.htm

I truly have a blast driving the 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350H and will bring it to the upcoming Centennial events on Long Island on September 14th and October 19th.

Enjoy!

Howard

From Calling All Vanderbilt Cup Race Families

Thank you so much for answering my question so quickly! Wow - you never know what you have. The book iteself is in perfect condition except for the cover and back (the cover came off, but I have it with the book). I will put this up in a safe place for my son when he gets older.

Thank you again!

Heather

From Vanderbilia Question: The 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race Program Guide

Heather,

You have a beautiful piece of Vanderbilia and a family heirloom!

The “Official Program Score Card and Guide of the Second International Race for the William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., Cup” was published by the trade magazine The Automobile in 1905. The guide is distinguished by its 4-color cover featuring images of the Vanderbilt Cup and flags of the four participating countries; United States, France, Germany and Italy. It is very likely that your great-grandparent attended the 1905 race on Long Island and purchased the guide.

Originally sold for 25 cents, I estimate that this difficult to find 96-page guide would bring in $1,000 to $2,500 at an auction depending on its condition.

Howard Kroplick

From Vanderbilia Question: The 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race Program Guide

Dear Mr Kroplick,
A close friend of mine and fellow racer once showed me a fascinating scrap book about her grandfathers pursuit as a driver for the Fiat team, her maiden name is Parker and her grandfather drove the second finish car in the 1909 VCR. I am now trying to piece together his other starts, for example his participation as a relief driver for the #18 car driven by Eddie Hearne in the first ever Indy 500 (1911).Any leads you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely Johannes.
PS Also I have raced the GT350 (Hertz) extensively on european tracks. It is an exciting car to drive.

From Calling All Vanderbilt Cup Race Families

I think the 3rd person in the picture might be my father. His face is somewhat obstructed by the steering wheel (but,looks like he might have looked in 1904).
My grandfather (dad’s father) was the Secretary of the New York Central Railroad for many years. I have pictures of the Pardee private railroad car (#99). I also have pictures of a few of the cars the family owned, they are:
1904 Queen 2 cylinder
???? Bertliet (French)
1906 Oldsmobile roadster (my dad at the wheel)
1910 Buick (grandfather getting in)
Also there is a picture of a group of Maxwells dated 1909 at Vendor, N.J.
My brother & sister may have more. I will check.
Thanks for all your help,
Dwight

From Question of the Week: Can you Identify this Signed Willie K. Photo?

Howard,

Thanks for the information on the Vanderbilt Cup Races!

Ron

From Question of the Week: Can you Identify this Signed Willie K. Photo?

Dwight, your signed photo documents the zenith of Vanderbilt’s racing career at the Daytona-Ormond Beach Automobile Tournament of January 1904. The Mercedes with Willie K. as the driver was shot on the beach with the Atlantic Ocean in the background.The identification of the two other men in the car is still a mystery. Based on other images in my collection, the man with the mustache was “Henry” and the young man initials were “R.C.W. Jr.”.  At the 1904 tournament, in addition to seeting the one-mile land speed record at 92.3 mph, Vanderbilt won everything he entered, except for a 1-mile battle with Barney Oldfield. In addition to winning all his elimination heats, he scored victories in the five-mile free for all, the one-mile invitational race, the five-mile invitational, the ten-mile invitational and the 50-mile free-for-all championship. By the time the contests ended on Saturday, Vanderbilt racked up records for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 miles.

A racing photo signed by William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. is rare and should be cherished as a family heirloom. If it was to go to auction, I estimate the value to be over $2,000.
Enjoy!
Howard Kroplick

From Question of the Week: Can you Identify this Signed Willie K. Photo?

Dear Mr. Kroplick,
Would you consider giving a presentation to members of our car club (the Peconic Bay Region of the AACA) about the Vanderbilt races? If possible, would you consider some time in Nov.?

Regards,
George Bartunek

From Film "The 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race"

Gorgeous photos!

From The Alco Black Beast: Winner of the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races

Ken:

Thanks for the email and the book pre-order.

Al and I plan to have several book signings in the Fall. Keep checking this website for event updates.

Enjoy!

Howard

From New Book from Howard Kroplick and Al Velocci "The Long Island Motor Parkway"

Howard:  What a terrific link.  Thanks for sharing it.  Be well.  Tom

From The Alco Black Beast: Winner of the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races

Will you be having an in-store signing? I’ve pre-ordered the book already. Congrats!

From New Book from Howard Kroplick and Al Velocci "The Long Island Motor Parkway"

Tom:

Thanks again for the positive comment. I am pleased that I can share this information with your family. You should be very proud of Harry Grant’ achievements.

Howard

From Driver Profile: Harry Grant -Winner of the 1909 & 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races

Mark:

Thanks for the feedback and all your contributions to the website and my first book!

Howard

From New Book from Howard Kroplick and Al Velocci "The Long Island Motor Parkway"

Looks good, Howard! Congratualtions!
I’ll get a copy when its available. I continue to be impressed with this site.

-Mark

From New Book from Howard Kroplick and Al Velocci "The Long Island Motor Parkway"

Howard:  Thank you so much for the excellent Harry Grant profile.  You have really made him come alive for us. I wish my Grandfather, my Father and my Uncle Harry (named after Harry Grant)could have had the opportunity to view your terrific website.  Thanks again and be well.  Tom Grant (Grandnephew of Harry Grant).

From Driver Profile: Harry Grant -Winner of the 1909 & 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races

Joe, William, Wally, and Sal:

Thanks for your stories concerning the Long Island Automotive Museum. Hopefully, someday we can build a new automobile museum here on Long Island.

Enjoy!

Howard

From What was the Long Island Automotive Museum?

Virgina:

I will try to track your uncle down.

Unfortunately, the mechanicians were sometimes the forgotten people in the races. They served an important and dangerous function in making sure the car was operating properly but were often not named in the racing programs and newspapers.

Enjoy!

Howard

From Driver Profile: Harry Grant -Winner of the 1909 & 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Races

I never visited the Museum while it was open, but I visited several times after it closed for what was called an “Iron Range”, sales conducted to dispose of the various parts still in the buildings. I was invited by Les Cutting, of Huntington who was very well known in the hobby and Wally could tell you lots about. I collected a pile of parts and collectable items and asked Mr. Clark for a price when he was closing down for lunch. He did not want to sell me some items, sign and pictures, etc. he said they were not for sale and I said I was told everything was for sale. Within a few seconds, he would not sell me anything, and then Les came over and stated I was a fine young man and not a dealer and the he said I could have the stuff, so I asked for a price, he just gave me the stuff. I still have it all today. I also attended and “Iron Range” run by Walter Kraft for his estate. It was still a great place to visit even with out any cars.

From What was the Long Island Automotive Museum?

Hi Howard,  Thank you for sending me your wonderful web site information.  I will have to go through my stuff and see if I have any other items and photos with related to your interests. I knew Austin Clark for many years and he was a great help in some of my automobile restorations through the years. In the interest of historical accuracy you might want to change your L.I. Automotive Museum article to owner Henry Austin Clark Jr. He would always say “Mr. Clark passed away” when people left off the Jr. 
      Keep up the good work!
Regards, Your friend, Walter

From What was the Long Island Automotive Museum?