Kleiner’s Korner: Two Prominent Supporters of Automobile Racing
Following up on Greg O's recent post about the dislike of automobile racing by Horseless Age magazine, I present here three opposing viewpoints.
The articles are specifically about the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup Race and were written by Willie K. and Barney Oldfield. An additional article took aim at the false reporting of accidents that occurred during the race. Illustrations are the work of E.W. Kemble whose cartoons appeared in various publications including "Life", "Collier's", and "Harper's Weekly". Kemble also illustrated Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" among others.
All material is from "Motoring and Boating" of Oct. 13, 1904
Art Kleiner
Willie K's. View of the Race
The primary proponent of the Vanderbilt Cup Race!
"It was a good, clean contest, full of interest . . . perfectly satisfied that everytihing was done which could be done to make it a success." Willie gave accolades to the American automobile manufacturers noting that three American cars that started actually were running when the race was stopped.
50,000 spectators, a minimal number of accidents, the reason for calling off the race and proof that the "automobile under proper restrictions is the safest of all vehicles".
Speed, speed and speed.
Some of the 50,000 spectators.
Barney Oldfield's Viewpoint
Another proponent of the race.
Oldfield says he came to the race to help prepare for his first race, the 1905 Gordon Bennett Race. While reporting that "road racing is a magnificent sport" he advocates the use of preliminary trials to permit only those capable of racing to do so, and not just those rich enough to buy a racing automobile.
Very little use of controls, oiling the course was beneficial and a good showing by the American cars. "This has been our first real lesson in road racing and I think we will profit by it."
One of the officials who was kept very busy during the race.
Yellow Journalism Abounds: "The Men Were In A Race With Death"
The media was in full force as this article and drawing indicate.
Unfortunately many of the accounts of the race included false reports of accidents and injuries. "A slight incident traveled down the course almost as fast as the racing cars themselves."
"Car Coming"
Willie K. was concerned about these reports and went to see for himself.
"He returned immensely relieved upon finding that things were magnified."
As we all know the positive view of automobile racing won out as the industry is one of the largest spectator sports in the world. As reported in the 2021 report entitled "Motorsport Global Market" the motorsport industry is expected to reach $7.8 billion by 2027, with the auto racing segment to reach $2.2 billion. Wonder where Horseless Age is now! (researchandmarkets.com)
Comments
Great counterpoint!