The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-16
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Today is Automobile Day.


 Today is Automobile Day.
 With Waltie Christie as the drawing card, the management expects the last day to be the greatest, both in point of attendance and in the forms of amuse- ment furnished
 It is believed that the attendance will top that of Birmingham Day, when S0,000 surged through the big gates.
 The chief attraction of the day will be the automobile races this afternoon, and especially that against time by Walter Christie the dare devil millionaire from Chicago. MT. Christie will attempt to break the worlds record of 52 seconds. which he established last September in Minneapolis. He confidently expects to the tracks yesterday afternoon and was delighted, declaring the course the most magnificent on which he had ever looked.
 Will Try for Other Records.
 In addition to the sensational one-mile race by Christie, the daring driver will try for new two-mile and three-mile rec ords. It is expected that these races will be the most sensational ever pulled off in Birmingham or in the country, for that matter The most thrilling automobile driving ever seen in Birmingham was that of Barney Oldfield last April, and, as stated above, Oldfield's record is 12 sec ends slower than that>of Christie.
 Mir. Christie stated last evening that the track was so fast that a tire, with the machine going at full speed, could not last longer than three miles and continue to give first rate service. He will equip his machine with a new set of tires as soon as the grounds are reached
 Local Men To Compete.
 In addition to the Christie races, there will be an automobile race this afternoon for the championship of Alabama. This race is open to all cars owned by Ala bamians in Alabama. This race promises to be one of the most interesting events ever planned in the south. The manage ment is certain that from four to six starters will participate, among which will be steam and gasoline cars.
 The fast Cadillac owned by John Ab- bolt, which many believe the speediest machine in Birmingham, will make the five miles of the race. as will Walter Moore's flying Stanley steamer, and two Franklin cars, including, a six-cylinder machine, which many believe will defeat the Stanley and the Cadillac.
 A special race will be run for the Charles Denegre Cup by Franklin cars. So many cars of this make are owned and driven in Birmingham that special requests were made to give them a race and settle the disputes of owners as to which was the fastest. Mir. Denegre de- | cided to encourage these owners by of fering cup or trophy tothe winner He will drive in the race himself and prob- ably six to ten cars will start. Aside from the auto events, number of motorcycle races will be run under the direction of the Birmingham Motorcycle club. Robert Stubbs and the fastest of the other racers will appear in these events, and it is possible Champion Stubbs may make an effort to lower his recently established record.
 Altogether a sporting programme of rare merit will be offered, in addition to all the regular attractions, and automo- bile day will be made notable here as it was in Atlanta. There all records for the Georgia State fair, in attendance, were smashed, and more enthusiasm was shown over the spectacular events than has been shown in years over any At lanta event.
 Staten ents By Managers.
 The enthusiasm of Christie is shared by other members of his party, notably Homer George and William Pickens. These two gentlemen are confident that their chief will break his own record George had the following to say last night: MT. Christie is the most particu- lar man. when 1t comes to the details of automobile racing, whom l have ever met. He states that he can find no fault with the track at the fair grounds, and that 1t Is as near perfect as any other fin 10 world That's My bank roll is ready for the speed altar, and this afternoon I confidently look for that long promised record of mile in 50. '' Mr. Pickens followed this remark by the following statement: T have pro- noted automobile races on 90 per cent of the tracks in the United States, and not a few abroad. For Its size l have always contended that Birmingham was the best and the livest city in the world. I have re- peatedly told Mir. Christie that he would find the Birmingham track the best in the country. Since seeing it and ex amining it he thinks so now himself. Tell everybody to get aboard this after noon for the performances of William Christie will never be repeated l conti- dently expect the mile in 50 cents.'
 The Programme In Full.
 The programme. for the afternoon fol- lows:
 2:30 P. m.-Motorcycle race at five miles, open to all machines, local or foreign.
 D. m.-Automobile races for Alabama state championship. open to all cars owned in Alabama.
 S:3O p. m.-Tyial for mile record by the great Christie car.
 3:45 p. m.-Motorcycle race at five miles, open to all
 { p, m.-Trial for three-mile record by renowned Christie car.
 4:15 p. m.-Automobi1e race for Charles Denegre cup, open to Franklin cars.
 4:3O D. m.-Tfial for two-mile record by the wonderful Christie 1U horsepower
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