Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-07-13
PHOENIX ROAD
RACE DISCUSSED
SERIOUS QUESTION RAISED AS
TO ELIGIBILITY
COL. FENNER THREATENED WITH
DEPARTMENT
Present Holder Of Cup Is Told He
Must Join Assoc alton If He
Wants Privilege of
Contending

A preliminary meeting to arrange
the details of the automobile endur-
ance race from Los Angeles to Phoenix
An annual event under direction of
the Maricopa club of Phoenix-was
held yesterday afternoon at the office
of Leon I. Shelter.
AS a result of the conference between
representatives of the Maricopa club
and owners of automobiles which may
participate in the event, the issue arose
as to whether prospective entries out
side of the Automobile Dealers asso-
citation would be officially recognized in
the race.
The matter after a lively discussion,
was left unsettled and will be taken
up at the meeting of the Southern Cali
fornia Automobile Dealers association
tonight
The main point of discussion was
caused by the withdrawal Of Colonel
f. c, Fenner from the association, and
as Colonel Fenner was the winner of
the race last year the controversy in
wolves delicate question.
Control of Race Disputed
The point in dispute was as to
whether the dealers association would
enter the contest against contestants
not affiliated with the associa ton, or
whether the event should be open to
any and all entries.
Mr.. Shelter stated that he believed
the interests of the association should
be placed above personal interests and
went on record as stating that he
would not enter a car In the race I'M
less all the entries were by members
of the dealers association.
Colonel Fenuer, who, by virtue of
his remarkable race in the Black Bess
"a year ago won the much coveted
Maricopa club cup, stated that he
would insist on his right to enter his
car Independently.
The issue brought forth a lively dis
cussion,- the main point being as to
whether the dealers association con-
trolled the run from Los Angeles to
Phoenix, or whether the race was for
the purpose of finding the car that
could make the run in the fastest time
regardless of affiliation.
Special Race Offered
George Purdy Bullard, secretary of
the Maricopa club of Phoenix, was
present at the meeting and stated that
the object of the race was to bring out
the fastest time that could be made on
the long run, and to have the same
cars enter O. special race at Phoenix
during the annual fair of the Mari
copa club.
Andy Smith, Pacific coast represen-
tative of the Gilmore machine, stated
that he believed it right that Col. Fen
ner should be allowed to take part in
the race, whether he was a member of
the dealers association or not. He
pointed out the fact that Col. Fenner
had won last years race for the Mari
copa cup and to hold the race without
the winner of the first race would mean
to discriminate and take away an honor
duly won.
The majority Of those present agreed
that If Col. Fenner rejoined the asso-
citation a controversy would be ELM
mated, but Col. Fenner stated that he
believed the race was originated for the
purpose of giving every auto owner an
opportunity of entering, and that toI
the fastest car should go the honor.
Col. Fenner VIII Race
According to his statements he did
not believe that the dealers association
had the power to dominate the race, and
plainly stated that he would not join
the association and that he would
carry his entry as far as possible.
Others argued that the race was to
boom the representatives of the assocta-
ton, and that to allow outsiders to
enter after the association had ex-
pended money to prepare for the race
would be to boost machines outside OF
the association.
The attitude of the association will be
decided upon at the meeting tonight,
and it is hoped that arrangements sat
isfactory to all concerned will be made.
The matter OF changing the usual
course of the run was brought up at
the meeting, but after discussion 1t was
deemed best not to change the course.
May Increase Purse
The race will probably start on the
night of November and entries will
close October l5. Secretary Billiard
stated that he would endeavor to in
crease the purse from $1,000 to $500, and
also arrange a two-hour race at the
Phoenix fair grounds for a suitable
purse, to be competed for by those VINO
finished the run from Los Angeles TO
Phoenix.
The attendance at the meeting yester-
day showed that more interest is taken
in the event this year than before. But
four entries were recorded last year,
but if The present difficulty is properly
adjudicated it is believed that the num-
Der of entries will be doubled.
Those present at the meeting yester-
day afternoon were George Purdy Bull
lard, Phoenix, Ariz.; John S. Mitchell.
Col F. C. Fenner, Ralph c. Hamlin,
Harry Rose, C. f. Smith, Capt. Fl. d.
Ryus, Huntley Gordon, Leon I. Shet |
tier, Andy Smith and P. H. Greer.