Vanderbilt Cup Races

Well,one of the thing I know,it’s 1951,by the license plate on on car 2,now if I could only make out what state the license plate is on car 1 and I think by the emblem on the hood,that it might be a Austin Martin. Car 2 couldn’t be old 16 could it?,that would be too easy.

Both of these photos were probably taken at Bridgehampton, NY on May 24, 1952. That was “race day” for the SCCA road race event. Vehicle #1 is “The Beast” (not to be confused with the “Black Beast”) and was owned by Charles “Chuck” Kotchan. It was formerly called the “Case Super Special Speedster” by a prior owner.  Kotchan used it as a tow-car for his racer, an EFFYH, which can be seen on a trailer behind “The Beast”. Vehicle #2 is the world famous “Old 16” Locomobile, winner of the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup, with winning driver Joe Tracy behind the wheel. Next to him in the beret is Peter Helck, the car’s owner, with his son Jerry behind him.

#2 is the winning Locomobile “old number 16” , driver is Roberson 1908 winner.  The two passengers are none other than Peter Heclk and his son.

I don’t know vehicle #1, but I believe that vehicle #2 is Peter Helck’s Locomobile that won the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
Rog

Vehicle 2 Old #16 at Westbury 1952 with Robertson, Peter Helck, and Peter Helck Jr.

#1’s that weird tow-car you’ve pictured before (and, no, I’m NOT gonna look it up) and #2’s a give-away - 1906 Locomobile “Old 16” in (on?) which George Robertson won the 1908 VCP, probably with George (or Joe Tracy?) at the wheel, probably owner Peter Helck’s son Jerry alongside, and Peter Helck on the floorboard, risking emasculation by the left-hand chain!  Sam, III

1951 (license plate), car one’s front end resembles a Jaquar (prototype) with grand prix decal on door, car two carries the Helcks with former owner/driver Joe Sessions but more likely VCR winner George Robertson.

Identify vehicle #1 and its owner
The car was built for Russ Case and was based on Jeep running gear. It was originally called the “Case Super Special Speedster” and later, “The Beast”. After Case tired of it it wound up with Chuck Kotchan who painted it up in Grand Prix Motors livery. Chuck was the Effyh FIII car importer for the U.S. in 1951. Car seen here in Bridgehampton June 9, 1951

Identify vehicle #2, its driver and two passengers.
Old 16- 1906 Locomobile.
First American Car to Win a Vanderbilt Cup Race in 1908. In the photo, The car was delivered to Peter Helck’s Boston Corners, New York home by Joe Tracy in January 1942.

Just realized I goofed on my answer. The wording of the question- “were photographed at the same location.”

Being I’m more sure of the Helck photo of Tracy delivering the Loco, I’ll go with both photos being taken in Boston Corner NY.

Not much more I can do with this mystery this week. Year 1951 and possibly Old 16,as to where,no idea,don’t know where car1 is from,can’t make out the license plate,also see some writing on the car that I can’t make out either.It might be a concept car or experimental.I think I mentioned Austin Martin

Location/Date:  Oct. 9, 1954 - 50th Anniversary of the first Vanderbilt Cup Race held at Garden City/Mineola.

Car #1: Peugeot
Car #2: “Old 16” Locomobile, Driver - Joe Tracy, Passengers - Peter Helck and son, Jerry.

Just realized I goofed with my answer. It is worded, “were photographed at the same location.”

Being I’m more sure of the Helck photo location being correct, I’ll say Boston Corner for both locations.

From Steve Lucas:

While researching this week’s mystery photos, I discovered some information that seems to contradict prior info regarding the 1951 and/or 1952 Bridgehampton races. According to the two race programs, the EFFYH only raced at Bridgehampton in 1952 (as # 77), yet Walter McCarthy’s film clip showing “The Beast” and the EFFYH was identified as 1951. In today’s mystery photo there appears to be a number 77 on the racer that’s on the trailer behind “The Beast”.
I’m also attaching three scans regarding the EFFYH, just for added interest. The first two (in color) is from a set of bubble gum cards I own issued by Topps Chewing Gum in 1953-1954. The third photo appears to be the original black & white used by Topps to produce its card. I found that on http://www.500race.com and appears to identify the driver as Walter Kotchan.

Yup,you’re right,now I remember car#1

Hi ALL:

  The license plate on the car is a New York Dealer plate #  32-259 and the word
Dealer is abbreviated to DLR.

          Cheers and Best !!!!  Ron Ridolph

Bit of a late update; I have the trophy won by John Fitch in the 1951 Hayground Cup Race for FIII cars at Bridgehampton driving Chuck Kotchan’s Effyh 500. I will try to upload some images. Fitch’s race record shows that he competed at Bridgehampton in 1951 but not in 1952. I believe the film clip could be from 1951.