The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-11-17


 three minutes. this being due to an in jured tire, which twisted the car against the fence enclosing the track and threat ened serious accident. Anderson had a complete set of new tires on the wheels in three minutes, and, as if his escape were an everyday occurrence, the great Strang began again his race against inex- orable time.
 At the conclusion of the first two hours Strang had covered 101 miles.
 Robertson and Lescault, in establishing the worlds record, in the first two hours went 55 miles and in two hours 107. But at the conclusion of four hours the rec ord makers had covered but 19S miles, an average of 491a. Should Strang maintain his first two hours average, 5012 miles, he will not only smash Robertson's early hour records but will easily outstrip his TIT in the 24 hours
 The first two hours drive was addi- tionally perilous because of defective lights over one-fourth of the way. For a quarter of a mile Strang was forced to proceed with reckless speed in total dark ness. But the daring driver showed no hesitancy in taking the treacherous curves and time after time, in front of the grandstand, he flashed meteor-like with a throb and a whirr that was gone in a trice.
 The drivers are confident of establish ing a new record, in spite of the fact that their earliest hours, while being excel lent, were not equal to those of Robertson and Lescault. The record-makers encoun- tered trouble after midday and their time toward the close could not compare with their beginning. Strang and Stricker are figuring or covering 1900 miles in the 24 hours, and if the average of 5O15 can be maintained the record is easily theirs.
 The start was made before an impatient crowd of about POGO people. The night was exceptionally cold, this fact making the shivering audience small. But the people who saw the beginning were en- thusiasts of the first water and while by F o'clock many had departed at daybreak a large number of the originals were still seated in the grandstand.
 Lieutenant Governor Henry B. Gray fired the pistol that sgnalled the start. As the report resounded Strang touched his Renault and 1t spra.ng forth as a thing of life. Seated in the car with him was his mechanic Anderson. who is inured and hardened to the gruelling task of a 24-hour race.
 Leon Barrow, a Birmingham boy. is rid ing with Stricker. Barrow is about IT years of age, originally came from Mich igan and is employed in local garage. It was at his earnest pleading that Stricker agreed to take him. He was im- patient after the start for the o'clock hour, and his delight was great when, seated in the great Renault, he dashed about the course.
 During the night the track, the grand stand and the field were well lighted It was an unusual sight to Birmingham. In the center of the arena was a tent ar ranged for the comfort of the drivers. The tent was provided with cots on which the drivers and mechanics slept, with stoves by means of which to give them cheer after their arduous adventures; with tools, surgical instruments, food and nourishment.
 To the front of the grandstand is stretched a large board on which figures at the conclusion of each hour tell the distance covered.
 All Birmingham is with the drivers. Everybody is pulling that the brave fel- lows may win the laurels and hang up d. record which will endure. Should the record be broken and Strang and Stricker believe that it will, the honor will not he theirs alone. Birmingham will share.