The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-10-17
DARING BIRD-MEN TO FLY
AT INTERNATIONAL MEET

whole energy of the Wrights' laboratory
at Dayton. O., and that of Curtiss at
Hammondsport, N. Y, has been centered
/ in producing new machines and motors,
designed to keep the speed trophy on
this side. Those who are closest to these
constructors have confidently predicted
that the real surprise at the tournament
| will be shown by a remarkable advance
| in American bplanes.
| The Wrihgts' preparations for COM
peting for the trophy have been most
carefully guarded. but 1t is definitely
known that within the past two months
they have been working secretly upon
a new model plane which, 1t is expect
ed. will astonish the world.
Trials made at their Dayton, Ohio,
plant with an aeroplane whose lifting
surface or wings were cut to a min
imum, nearly resulted in serious ac-
cident to Orville Wright. The machine
which is driven by a 120 horsepower
motor developed such speed that 1t got
completely away from Orville and
crashed into a fence. 1t has been re-
paired, however, and subsequent ex-
periments show that 1t can be depended
upon to show phi enomenal speed.
This year the advantage is with the
American spectator. as the distance to
be covered is 62.1 miles, which re-
quires each aviator to cover 20 laps
on the three mile course This makes
the contest practically a cross-country
flight that Is all the time in sight of
the stands. At Rheims the distance
was so short that the race was over
almost before the crowd had settled
down to enjoy it.
The American team to defend the
trophy will be named by the Aero Club
of America from among the two or
three fastest men in an elimination
series on October 26. It Will be one
OF the most exciting days of the tour
nament. Glenn II. Curtiss, the holder
of the trophy. has been invited by the
Aero club to become one of the de-
tenders without qualifying, an honor
he will probably accept
One of the most exciting features of
the tournament will be a real race in
the air over straightaway of $3.50
feet The machines will be lined up at
the starting point and at a signal all
motors will be put in motion. At an
other signal they will leave the line
together, crossing the finish In full
flight. The prizes are $500. $3.50 and
$100 If the number of machines en-
tered exceed the width of the course
series of eliminations will deter
mine this event
To stimulate constant efforts during
the tournament, prizes have been Of
fered for total compilations of various
kinds of flight. For instance. ayiators
who remain longest in the air during
the tournament will be awarded $4,000,
$500 and $500. The same plan will
be followed in giving three prizes of
$500, $1,000 and $500 for covering the
greatest distance during the tourna-
ment The three aviators who, during
the day remain longest in the air will
receive $500, $3.50 and 800. Those VIII O
cover the greatest distance hourly will
be given $3.50, $100 and $780, The same
rule applies to hourly speed and alti-
tude records, for which the same prizes
will be awarded.
The Belmont park Is undergoing re-
markable changes in preparation for
the meet. All distractions are being
removed and the field will be in per-
feet shape when the tournament opens.