New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-05-31
AUTOMOBILES.
ENDURANCE CONTEST FROM THIS CITY
TO SOUTHPORT, conn.

Twenty-six more machines are likely tn "a
ceive first class certificate for their showing in
the hundred-mile nonstop endurance contest from,
this city to Southport Conn. and return which
was held yesterday under the auspices and super
vision of the Automobile Club of America More
than fifteen thousand persons witnessed the contes.
at various vantage points along the route. While
the skies bright and the weather all that
could be asked for the test decide various quail
ties Of the machines entered. it was not an ideal
day for the automobile enthusiast Dust lay many
inches thick long stretches OF the route and
the occupants of the machines whirline
through dense clouds the greater part of the Jour
ney. When the chauffeurs and the observers
alghted from the machines in front Of the en-
of the Metropolitan Club. Sixtieth-st and
Fifth-ave.. after the struggle for the coveted
honors they looked 5 if they had into 4.
great shower OF dirt. Under such conditions il
was difficult times to avoid running some
large stones in the roads and escape being well
tolted.
The report of the committee contest will not
be made public for some days for many reasons.
The principal is that the observers stationed at
various points along the route may have some ad-
verse reports to make regarding some OF the con-
testants. and, effort made last night TO
learn what these observers have to say,
nected with the club was in position to name the
lucky rather the successful machines. Accord
ing TO the governing the contest, there were
first, second third prizes TO be awarded to the
the machines which finished within a certain time
and made the tour To be rated as perfect
certificate will be given. II was not a test OF
speed, only of endurance, for none OF the con-
testants could arrive the starting point before
the expiration of hours and ~ minutes from the
time of departure from the start without being
withdrawn factor in the contest Even II a
machine taken out of the course so as not 10
get the starting place too sOon the detOur was
regarded stop, and a stop would not merit for
the machine certificate.
f. a. La Roche with his gasolene machine. ap-
parentiy the greatest hOnOrS OF the tour. At
least the majority Of persons who witnessed the
strife for the certificates TO be given by the club
of that opinion. Mr.. La Roche started on the
trip at 9V1 o'clock. and first 10 return 10 the
starting place, and besides. he had clean score 50
far could be learned. Each vehicle carried ON
cial observer, who was assigned by the club. The
sheet OF the observer in the machine operated by
Mr. La Roche showed that he had made the jour
ney easily and without any stops Mr. La Roche
made the trip in just hours and Is minutes
As Mr.. La Roche stcervd his machine from Fifth
ave into SXteth-st., Charles d. Cooke operating
= gasUlene vehicle, reached SiXty-nrst-st- and
Fifth-ave. and i'm few seconds had the honor OF
man, in a gasOlene machine, was one of the con-
accident, of the bands OF the machine getting
out OF gear or breaking. The observer in his ma
chine did not hand of the officials OF the
contest at the finishing place report Of the rec
ord OF the machine. and the vehicle driven by Mr..