Vanderbilt Cup Races

Howard,
In 1978, we (Bridgehampton Racing Group) determined that “The Vanderbilt Cup” was not copyrighted or owned by any entity we could discover, so co-opted the name as “The Vanderbilt Cup Challenge” for an annual joint SCCA/EMRA event, on the date of the previously run CAN/AM races, run through 1969.  Where better than on Long Island to perpetuate the name?
Earl Gandel

From The Mystery 1952 Vanderbilt Cup

I wonder if this event was held in conjunction with a California Sports Car Club event? CSCC held many races at the fairgrounds in Pomona during the 1950’s and early 1960’s, and Lindley Bothwell was a member and also a collector of historic cars which he ran in “exhibition” races during that period.
known21

From The Mystery 1952 Vanderbilt Cup

WOW, what a spectacular package!

From "Once-In-A Lifetime" Indy 500 Centennial Experience Available at Upcoming JCC Auction

Howard,

I really enjoyed reading the 1906 Brochure for the American Mercedes. As a member of the NYC-Long Island Mercedes-Benz Club,it was a especially relevant for me.  I would never have had the opportunity to see this rare brochure, had it not been posted on your fine website and provided to you by Sam III.

Thank you both,
Jerry Shapiro

From A 1906 Brochure for the American Mercedes

I have some some great photos and information about my great uncle Shorty Cantlon that I would be more than happy to share if you’re interested. Feel free to contact me.
Sincerely, Mick Cantlon.

From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: Starting Lineup for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race

Hi Jr:

As seen above, I am missing photos for the following eight cars:

#14 Elgin-Offy Piston Pin Special
#16 Alfa Romeo P-3
#22 Miller-Hartz
#26 Shafer-Buick 8 Special
#32 Burd Piston Ring Special
#43 Midwest Red Lion Special
#52 Schallman Special
#57 Wingerter-Duesenberg Special

Can anyone help? If so, send your jpegs to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) . Thanks!

Howard

From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: Starting Lineup for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race

Great site, Howard.  I’ve been checking back often to see if the Jimmy Snyder #43 MRL SPL photo is ever updated/corrected.  Image shown is the program cover.  Would love to see it.

“#43 Midwest Red Lion Special (USA) driven by Jimmy Snyder. Finished 37th. Completed 40 laps, broke rear axle gear.”

From VanderbiltCupRaces.com Exclusive: Starting Lineup for the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup Race

Hi Jeff:

Al Velocci and I have tried in the past without success.

Howard

From From the Ridolph Collection: The Motor Parkway Bridge in the Melville Sand Pits

Cathy, thanks for the info!

Howard

From The Garden City Hotel in 1913

Great information. Lawrence Butler of Smithtown,
son of Cornelia and Prescott Hall Butler, and nephew of Stanford White (who was married to Cornelia’s sister Bessie) was the Butler in the architectural firm of Butler, Ford and Oliver. I will put this article of yours in our Long Island Room files at Smithtown.
Thanks, Cathy Ball

From The Garden City Hotel in 1913

I watched the ‘65 Bridge race and it brought it all back to me. I was there as a spectator for the last time and spoke with Jim Hall that day. He totally psyched me such that I went out and bought a race car, went to driver’s school at the Bridge and a year and a half later I was out on the track with him and all the big boys in the Daytona 24 hour. I ended up racing for 15 or 20 years and loved every minute of it. The Bridge was a gas. For a couple of years I was a director of NY Reg SCCA and am still a member. This is my 45th consecutive year. I never was a great driver, but I was pretty good. I won a lot of regionals, a few nationals and got some trophies and checks in Trans Ams and Continentals, but I always had a good time. I was lucky to have done it when it was almost affordable, though my ex-wife sure didn’t think so.

I love your films.

Thanks for the memories.

From Video "The 1965 Vanderbilt Cup Race at the Bridgehampton Race Circuit"

J Walter Christie was indeed a visionary mechanical genius.  Although not blessed with long term financial success, his inventive mind and fabricational skills contributed substantially to numerous developments which have changed the course of history.
As a diehard automobile buff, I am particularly impressed with his pioneering efforts with front wheel drive.
I was told a Christie fire rig is on display in New Jersey, possibly Hoboken. 
Do you have any information concerning survivors-either automotive or fire apparatus?
Regards,
Bill Christie

From Driver Profile: John Walter Christie: Front-Wheel Drive Pioneer

I very much enjoyed your story,he never gave up and apparently had givin great thought about the situation at hand He reflected a take charge and step up to the plate attitude, and the biggest of all “.“A man’s word is his bond.”  Seals a deal like no other. Thanks for sharing.

From A Family Remembers a Vanderbilt Cup Race Driver- William Luttgen

howard, the car looks great ,especially since all other photos i’ve ever seen were in black and white,if you ever need a mechanic to sit in the other side i’d me more than happy to oblige, but note, im not a mechanic but if nothing else i could fill the empty seat in place of my great grand father,lol. lets face it,i just wanna sit in the car that my ggf sat in ,in the first indianapolis 500. and possibly get a picture.

From In Search of Alcos: #1 Alco-6 Black Beast Racer Archives

Hi Howard,  I thought it strange that one of the ALCO touring cars pictured had a NJ Manufacturer’s license plate in that it was a Rhode Island company. I sent you a photo of a NJ manufacturer’s plate in my collection.  Actually an interesting color! Walter

From Article "The ALCO Story: Distinctive, Durable, Doomed"

Very interesting.  Would it not be possible for you to get access for educational purposes just to see it today?

From From the Ridolph Collection: The Motor Parkway Bridge in the Melville Sand Pits

Thanks so much for an amazing story!

From A Family Remembers a Vanderbilt Cup Race Driver- William Luttgen

Stephen:

I have one reference that lists the birth date as March 21, 1874.

Howard

From Driver Profile: Hubert Le Blon

Does anyone know Hubert LeBlon’s birthdate - all references give 1872 but no day/month.

From Driver Profile: Hubert Le Blon

I loved the cartoons, but I can’t help but think that the 1908 image in the “1906, 1907, 1908” panel resembles the posture of a current Formula 1 driver.

From Life Magazine Automobile Cartoon Series #1: 1901 to 1908