Vanderbilt Cup Races

Apr 23 2013

Profile: Frank Lee, Mechanician for the Alco Black Beast

Frank Lee was the mechanician for driver Harry Grant's Alco Black Beast for 15 of the car's 16 major races and all six major victories. Grant considered him of "inestimable value".

Below is a tribute to Frank Lee and his two family members who I met two weeks ago.

Enjoy,

Howard Kroplick

In a 1911 Alco brochure, Harry Grant praised his mechanician Frank Lee:

"During preparation and in the race, Frank H. Lee, who rides with me , is of inestimable value. He is my eyes. He is looking all about us, looking behind for other cars and looking ahead for the turns, while I am watching the road and driving. Lee has certain landmarks that he memorizes as the places to begin slowing down for a turn, and to pick up speed coming out of one. It is important that he should often look behind in order to give me warning in case of another car trying to pass. Another thing, he must keep watch of the condition of the tires. He may be able to save time by warning me to stop and change a tire before it blows out. Great credit is due to the mechanic in any race. In every emergency the driver knows what he is going to do, but the mechanic does not. He has to trust the driver, and in a big race, such as the Vanderbilt Cup, his confidence has to be good and strong. I most certainly would rather drive than ride in a race."

1909 Vanderbilt Cup Race

1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race

1911 Indy 500

1911 Elgin National Trophy Race

The only race in which Frank Lee was not the mechanician for Harry Grant in the Alco Black Beast was the 1911 Elgin National Trophy Race where Lee drove the #5 Alco.