The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-30
AUTO TRAVELS IN 50 2-6 SEC.
CHRISTIE FAILS TO BREAK THE
WORLDS MILE RECORD.
Trials At Cape May Under Adverse Con.
dittsns Result In New Figures for
T.. American Made Cas-Races Run in
Rain on Soft Beach without Mishap.


American Made Cas-Races Run in
Rain on Soft Beach without Mishap.
CAPE MAY, N. J., July as.-walter Christie
had his once postponed bout with Father
Time here to-day on the beach. but with the
aid Of his ancient allies. the wind and the rain
the oh scythe man withstood repeated as
saults of the New York motorist and his
direct drive 800 Morse power racer. Whatever
consolation there may have been in lowering
his own American made car straightaway
mile record Of 20 seconds was vouchsafed to
Mr.. Christie, and his mile In 80 2-5 seconds
was a remarkable achievement when the
conditions under which 1t was made are con-
sidered. but he did not approach the worlds
record of "a 2-5 seconds. The timing was done
by 4. NJ. Butler. secretary Of tile Automobile
Club OF America. who used the Morse cleo
trical timing apparatus.
Ten thousand spectators were lined up
along the boardwalk at 10 o'clock this mern-
ing, but about half of them left when the
rain began to fall. After n few trial heats
had been run practically all of the spectators
that had remained under umbrellas sought
shelter after a mistaken announcement was
made. that the events had been called of.
But Referee Batchelder. secretary Of the
American Automobile Association. and the
Officers of the promoting body the Cape
the program, as most of the competitors were
willing. A timing station for kilOmeter trials
was ready, but was not used. owing to lack
OF time on account OF tide conditions. The
course was along the beach just above the
village OF Cape May, the contestants having
the ocean on their right side as they raced
north toward the finishing line. The con-
tests had official local approval. Mayor
Thomas w. MIllet doing, the Judging. as
Ia.
Philadelphia. president OF the promoting
organization.
The starting was done by F. ]. Wagner,
who acts In like capacity at most of the
big track meets. Mr.. Buffers assistant in
charge Of the apparatus at the start was
A. II. Chadbourne of Philadelphia. vice.
president Of the Cape May Automobile Club
and chairman Of its racing committee.
Though the wind drove the rain into the
faces of the competitors and half blinded
them. there were no accidents to mar the DAVIS
racing, The closest finishes We're thost
furnished by the competitors in the dfferene
trial heats.
A a rule there were but two starters in
the heats, though three were sent away In
some of the finals. All Of the contests were
for regularly equipped touring cars. To bs
driven by the owners themselves in most
instances. The rule regarding equipment
was strictly adhered to. AZ one ambitious
would-be contestant discovered after he had
removed the tonneau from his car and was
not allowed to start.
The special event for 40 horse power VIM
tons was very close. being won by C. j.
Swain by less than three lengths. The third
event for cars up to 40 horsepower, driven
nv owners. was one OF the best races. two
Wintons and a Thomas nnishlng with less
than nine seconds difference In time between
the victor adm the third man. :. The race
went to Mr.. Swain OF Phlladelphia. whose time.
made by any one but Walter Chrystie. j A.
Depew was second In l minute 20 seconds
and j. E. Mehrer. a 40 horsepower Thomas,
II had not been expected that Walter Chris
tie would make any trials, as the beach sur;
make three trials. doing better ia each one.
He could only get flying start OF about a
quarter Of a mile. but his first attempt showed
he covered the distance In ~ Us seconds and
whom he finished Sas weird sight. His