The Washington herald., 1907-08-25

The Importers Automobile Salon has
taken the initiative In racing and contest
reform in the United States. and has sent
letters to the Association Of Licensed Au-
tomobue Manufacturers, the American
Motor Car Manufacturers Association.
and the Automobile Club. OF America,
asking their cooperation in a movement
TO preserve the Understanding OF the auto
mobile industry IN the eyes Of the public
especially with reference 10 the sporting
touring. and contesting branches Of such
industry.
The letter embodies a report Of the
trades and contest committee OF the salon
including suggestions for the betterment
Of tours. races. and contests The COM
mittee recommends:
First-The encouragement Of events ex-
clusively for either foreign cars or for
American cars as not tending TO bring
out the comparative merits of the two.
nor fair 10 either one nor 10 the public
and recommends that such events be not
supported By entries Of any imported
cars
Second-That the Judges. committees. or
other officials directly in charge OF all
contests. and especially such committees
as formulate the basis upon which such
events shall be run, be selected from auto
mobile or mechanical engineers. whose
standing Is recognized by the industry
and community. and whose knowledge ana
interest in the welfare and progress OF the
Industry viii be paramount That such
judges, committees, or bodies in charge
should include representatives, Of recOg-
nized repute from each and all of the
prominent associations know I to have the
interests of the industry at heart These
in the mind Of your cOmmittee would be
representatives Of the Association Of Ii
Censed Automobile Manufacturers, The
American Motor Car Manufacturers As
ISOLATION. The Automobile Club of Amer
lean, and the Importers Automobile Sa-
Ion.
Third-That each Of these associations
appoint from their membership a trades
and contests committee similar to our
own: that a representative of each OF
these committees conveying the opinions
and ideas of their representative commit
tees jointly revise the merit determining
basis or standards, which are In use to-
day. and which are recognized as some
times partial, discriminating, and unre-
liable.
Fourth-Until such a desirable state Of
affairs can be brought about your com
mittee recommends as the most fair. the
most complete scientific and generally rec
ognized foundation Of all merit, the true
horsepower classification, and that pend
ing further national or international qc-
ton in the matter. the generally conceded
fair average horsepower formula adopted
by the Automobile Club OF Great Britain
and Ireland for determining horsepower
for contest purposes be accepted by the
importers in classifying for the purpose
of same. and further until the aforemen-
toned, and hope for nationally and in
ternationally Accepted Basis" becomes a
fact. the following classification be urged
by importers for use In such contests. and
by such associations as will use them:
Class A. beginning with 90 Il. P. and over.
Glass d, beginning with % II. p, 70, but not IN
Guiding 60 z. ?.
Glass c, beginning 'eith 40 H. P, to- but not in
Guiding 30 II. z.
Glass D. beginning with SO b. P. to. but not
including 20 H. p.
Class Z. beginning with % H. P. 20. but not in
GLIDING % H. 2.
Glass F. beginning with 10 H. P. to. but not IL
Guiding % H. Z.
Glass G, under 10 H. P.