The Washington times., 1904-08-10
AUTOMOBILE RACES
FOR WASHINGTON
To Take Place on Labor
Day at Benning.
SECOND EVER HELD HERE
WidS Course With Few Turns Assures
Great Speed Con-
tests.
SECOND EVER HELD HERE

The sanction of tho American Auto
mobile Association was yesterday Sc
cured by E ]. Ratigan. chairman Of
the committee having charge of the
Labor Day races, which are 10 be held
at the Benning race course, to the meet.
The Central Labor Union is In charge
Of the days events.
This meet is 10 be the second Of its
kind held within the District, and is
expected to be a great success, owing
10 the great number Of automobile en-
thusiasts in this city. The last one.
which was held I'm the fall OF 1893. at
the Brightwood race track, was attend
ed By a large number Of PERSONS inter-
ested I'm such matters, and by those who
love the sport
Improvement in Course.
When arrangements were being made
this year for the one which is going 10
be held on Labor Day, il was decided
by the committee I'm charge that a larger
track than that upon which the last
event was held would be necessary to
make It more successful and secure
more entries. Brightwood circuit is but
q half mile in circumference. and,
therefore. proved a great drawback TO
the lighter cars entered. The track is
circular and the small machines could
not be allowed to gain any great speed
for fear that they would overturn at
the sharp turns which were necessary.
1t is different, however, with the track
upon which this years races are TO be
held, owing 10 the fact that Benning Is
a good mile in length and of an oval
shape. therefore the handicap under
which the lighter machines were placed
is greatly overcome
All the events avQanr For fF. 1fvl,e
est steam vehicles IS TO be at a dis
tance Of I'VE miles, a great many exhibit
tons OF speed endurance can be an
uclpated by those who intend to attend
the meet. as almost three-fourths OF The
course is nearly straight
Anticipated Entries.
This event viii not only be a great
treat for the "eranks," but will also give
those who wish to purchase machines q
fairly good estimate Of the good and bad
qualities Of the different cars. There is
variagated assortment of autos in
Washington, and entries of the follow
ing machines are expected:
Cadillac. Winton, Rambler, Pope, To-
ledo, Darraq, Ford, Auto Car, Relay.
White Steamer, Stanley, Orient Buck
board, and Pierce Arrow.
Il is expected that as soon, as the an
nouncement OF the asSociation's S. consent
these machines viii be entered, while IL
Is positive that the different companies
VIII request permission 70 be represent
ed. The companies which are sure 70
have one or more machines on the field
are Loc0mOble, St. Louis Auto Com
pany. Cleveland Auto ompany, Columbia
Auto Company. and the OldsmObile Auto
Company.
An Excellent Opportunity.
The liberaltiy Of the Jockey Club in
hiring this desirable track 70 the auto
people IS fully appreciated, not only be-
cause * Is a thing rarely done, but also
because it was almost q last resources
for the ones interested to secure place
upon which the qualities Of every ma.
chine could be honestly tested and ex-
hibited. Mr.. Ratigan is working hard
10 make this event a feature. and il IS
the opinion Of many who are acquaint-
ed with these matters that his labors
will not be in vain.
The schedule OF events IS as follows:
The first race will be a free-for-all.
for machines OF any motive power,
Weighing from l,432 70 2.20f pounds. The
prizes will be silver trophies, valued al
SO and $40.
The second contest will be between
gasolene machines, Weighing from SSl 10
LAP pounds. and the prizes the same as
IN the first event, and the succeeding
contests silver trophies, valued at 81
and SO Event No viii be for ma
chimes OF any motive power, weighing
from 551 10 SS1 pounds. while the fourth
VIII be for gasOlene machines weighing
from 1882 10 2.204 pounds. The last
event Will be the three-mile race for
steam machines Weighing from So to SSl
pounds. Mr.. Ratigan VII distribute en-
try applications from his Office. at GA
Sixth Street northwest, from 4 10