New-York tribune., 1908-01-17
TIMELY AUTO TOPICS.
DATES FOR RACE MEET.
Sarannah CarnUal in March-COnd'-
Hons of Trade IN MeTico.

A telegram received yesterday from Arthur W.
Solomon, secretary and treasurer of the Savannah
Automobile Club, stated that sactuai dates nav nay
been settled fer the Savannah carnival The
days decided are Tuesday March H. anu
Wednesday. March IS, the long distance race ior
the Savannah challenge trophy being set for the
second day with the two shorter races as curtain
raisers. The distance to be covered in the race
for the challenge trophy has been heightened ana
Will now include twenty rounds of the elsnteSH-
mile course. approximately $50 miles.
The course IS said 10 be the fastest ever iao
out for road There hills on II. but
a wide variety of road varying from winolhs
causeway among the live oaks. which will tax
the skill of the experienced drivers, 10
straight hard stretches roads which VIII per-
NIT of three automobiles travelling abreast and
which viii give reaches for speeding of more than
five miles fully equipped six-cylinder car. with
six persons in it, recently attained a speed OF
upward OF sixty-three miles on the longest of these
stretches, that the possibilities of fast time by
experienced drivers stripped stock chasses are
great The ten corners the course will be con-
structed Oh a radius OF 40 yards. that top
speed can be made on TIE turns
The race viii he essentially a speed endurance
test. and viii demand the best in the entered
An upset date OF March l has been settled on
as the closing date for entries and the entry fees
have been fixed at 500 for in the long
race, with $3.50 for each additional entered.
while for the two short distance the entrance
fees $50 for the first and 500 for each ad-
ditonaI car.
Mr.. Solomon also acknowledged receipt of the
entry Of an Apperson Jack Rabbit and Premier
Certain statements which have found their way
into print, to the effect that the Savannah meet
had been abandoned declared by n. H. Van
Sicklen. chairman of the technical hoard of the
American Automobile Association, have been
errors. Mr. Van sicklen said yesterday that there
had never been question since its inception last
U1Rp he held b1f naT
had been certain necessary delays due to a desire
on the part OF the officials of the national associa
ton. working with the savannah club authorities,
to have the arrangements for the thoroughly
perfected before final announcement made and
entry blanks were issued. The latter will be sent
out within few days.
The racing committee OF the Chicago Automobile
Club has arranged for special train TO the Or
mond Beach races. and Mr.. Gregory, OF that com
mittee has obtained The names of numerous mem
bers who have expressed their intention of witness
ing the speed contests
Word has been received from the Minneapolis
and St. Paul automobile clubs, which have always
shown keen interest in the OrmOnd Beach races,
10 the effect that they are contemplating making
up special train. and special committee has
been appointed to ascertain the support which Will
be given the project.
AS plans already under way whereby the Au-
tomoble club OF America Will run big special
train to the scene OF the Ornond- Daytona battle
giants, the attendance considering tHe TACT
that the speed carnival will be held when the
Florida season is its zenith. VIII be the largest
ever assembled to witness the races on this fast
course
Arthur 3. Butn1an. special eopsolar agent of the
United States in Mexico City makes the following
report on the automobile indgstry in Mexico:
Mexico is rapidly advancing toward leading
position as a market for the American automo-
bile During the fscaI years 1906 and 1907 this
public furnished the third largest market Tor
American cars, being exceeded in importations
only by the United Kingdom and Canada The i'm
ports from the United states or autoInooles ana
parts into Mexico for the fiscal years 1850 SHOW
large increases and s1199S6, s422e26 and S82,
62a respectively. one reason for the growing pop
ularity of the automobile is the number of new
roads which have been constructed and under
construction. This applies not only TO roads
northern western portions Of the republic as
well.
found their best customers among the wealthy
classes in Mexico City. In many instances the
low hung French or Italian car Is preferred for
city driving. 1t Is stated. however. tnat the hlgh
class American has good reputation for
all around work and that sales of the same are
constantly the increase Prices range from
s. 900 TO S0GJ0 Mexican. with a large demand for
the medium priced machine. Touring cars priced
al s. coo. Mexican. have sold well. but of
would certainly prove popular and doubtless find
a ready market. The automobile trade is about
evenly divided between the touring and the closed
body car. Dealers state that demand is being
created for an American OF the runabout type
Of from 10-hOrsepower upward
speed. From 40 to 50 horsepower is the usual
range. though some cars run as high as 80 and
even 100 horsepower. The fuel generally used Is
pasoIene II may be said that the Mexican
purchaser especially the native, desires car of
more or less SNOWY appearance. Light fancy col
Club drab and onyx bronze especially favored.
There about go licensed motor cars in Mexico