New-York tribune., 1906-10-23
THE MOTOR CAR SPEEDWAY.

There have been so many plans for motor
car speedways which have come to naught that
the announcement of another might be regarded
with some degree of skeptcism. But there
really does at last seem to be ground for con-
fidence in the fulflment of the latest scheme
of the sort and If that confidence shall prove
to have been well placed there will be cause
for sincere qualification. The wisdom of con-
Quoting so perilous a sport that Of racing
motor cars is not universally conceded. To
many the practice seems like a profitless i'm
perilling of life. But at least it will be salts
factory to have the peril confined to the lives
of those who themselves race the machines.
and not extended to incauious spectators or
to citizens who are not even interested in watch
ing the races. That satisfaction will also be
felt by those who manage and participate in
the races, since they will be freed from all
anxiety and responsibility for the welfare Of
the general public. Nor should we overlook the
qualification which will arise from an abolition
of the thoroughly vicious practice Of monopo-
lizing portions of the public highway system
for private purposes
The choice of Long Island as the site of
the proposed speedway Is not unexpected, but
it is somewhat significant For some time the
public roads Of Long Island have been favor
ite racing places for motor cars. That Is be-
cause they are so level and because they are
bic to large numbers of people. For those same
reasons, we assume. the choice of place for the
speedway has been made; and If the course is
to be speedway pure and simple, just for de-
termining how fast machines can be run and
which machines can be run the fastest, no bet
ter choice could probably have been made Nor
would it have been easy to find place more
convenient for the assembling of such enor-
nous crowds as have witnessed motor car
races in the last few years There will, how
ever. be those who will doubt If tho best inter
ests of automobling-whether regarded as
exhilarating sport or as an important industry
will be promoted in the best way by the es-
tablishment of such a course for such pur
poses.
The conviction has for some time been grow
ing that facility and trustworthiness Of opera
tion freedom from noise, smoke and smell.
ability to keep the road for a long distance
without stopping for supplies or repairs, hill
climbing power and similar qualities are more
to be desired than mere swiftness. especially
since speed has already been developed far
beyond the bounds of safe or lawful exercise
on public highways. A course, therefore, of a
more varied topography, which would test these
other qualities Of motor cars would seem to
many the more profitable one to create. 1t will
no doubt be possible to test all qualities save
perhaps that of hill climbing power on this
Long Island course, though it will always offer
a temptation to indulge in mere speed. More
over since other tests can generally be made
on public roads without offence, 1t may be
thought by the promoters of the speedway that
it is unnecessary to provide a special course
for them. In any case, the creation of the
course Is to be regarded with appreciation as
calculated to relieve the public of a serious
imposition and to facilitate the enjoyment of
what is to a considerable part of the community
an exceedingly fascinating sport '