The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-09-11
COST OF MOTORCYCLES.
The One Used by Butler at Newby Oval
Made I'm France.

Because of the chill rain and air yester-
day afternoon, Tom Butler and his motor
cycle did not do their stunt at the Newly
Oval and the crowd of bicycle cranks that
had gathered was disappointed A great
deal OF interest is felt IN the big race week
from Tomorrow night, and II is expected
the capacity of the seats at the Oval will
be taxed on that occasion. The race will be
the first four-cornered motor-paced race
east OF New York. and the metropolis has
seen only one such. The race will be for
twenty-five miles. with 1000 in purses. The
four riders are among the best in the coun-
try-Tom Butler. Harry Gibson, Charles
Porter and Frank Starbuck.
These four men have been doing we'll in
the East. and because of the fact that they
are to race at several Western cities it is
expected their tour will be prosperous.
From here they will go to Louisville. from
Louisville to Pittsburg, and from there to
Chicago. where there will be twelve nights
OF bicycle racing at Tattersalfs during the
jubilee. The motors are new to the West,
and have proved a taking show. Buffers
motor was bought in France for 500. The
other three motors, which have not yet ar
rived. are American made. with the excep-
ton Of the vital part, the engines, which
we're made in France. American manufac-
turers are away behind in this particular.
TIE little gasoline engine which squats be-
tween the wheels Of Buffers pacing ma
chine looks like a toy. but 1t has two-horse
power. and can send the 25O-pound machine
over the track in LIS, as has been proved.
The engine is a marvelously well-made piece
OF machinery, and can be perfectly con-
trolled.
The machines which viii pace Starbuck
Porter and Gibson cost $500 each. and weigh
somewhat more than Buffers machine. Two
men will ride each machine. and they have
TO be men who are on TO their jobs, for it
Is 'shuddery even 10 think what the result
would be IL the four heavy machines and
the four racing men. all going at terrific
clip, should spill together. II Is natural lay
men should have some curiosity as TO the
way the start will be made. The men will
take positions at the tape with sufficient
room between each for one of the machines
TO pass. Then the machines will be sent
around the track. They will go up behind
the men and between them. The pistol will
be fired. and each man will tack on behind
his machine. Then they are of for twenty
five miles racing behind the putting. time
killing motors. There will be no tagging.
and the machines will go TO the finish I'M
less the men behind them can work Up
enough speed to pass their pace at the last
stretch.
Butler says IL he makes enough time on
the twenty-five miles he will continue and
try for the hour record. which Is thirty
four miles and something over. AS an adj
ditional attraction. two amateur events will
be arranged. and likely professional tan
dem race. Butler will continue TO train
daily with his machine. and IL he feels like
IL. he may make another try for the ten
mile record this week. The other three
riders will arrive some time this week. for
the Indianapolis track has come TO be known
among racing men as one OF the best In the
county. II. indeed. IL does not hold first
place. No better time has been made any
where this season than on the Newly Oval.
The owners OF the Oval have not made
money out OF e. they have lost ever since
they put their thousands into the L. A. w.
meet frost. but they hope that by giving the
lovers OF sport the best kind OF racing they
may culture interest enough in bicycle rae
ms TO allow them 10 make good 10 some
extent In the seasons 20 come.
Jewett Pianos at Wulschner & Sons