The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-29
PREPARAT|ONSF FOR GRAND PRIZE RACE The Course Will Be in Poor
 Condition MACHINES ARE TESTED Intense Rivalry Has Been Precipita- ted By Ralph Mulford's Accom-
 plishment in the Wander
 bilt Cup Race
MACHINES ARE TESTED

Savannah November 2S.-Indications now are that the grand prize race will be run Thursday under less favorable con ditions than existed when Ralph Mulford in record time won the Vanderbilt cup race yesterday. The ideal climatic con- ditions of yesterday were followed by a light drizzle which continue intermit- tently today. As result the course is reported soft at several points. Despite the unfavorabe weather, sev- eral of the world famous speed kings en- tered in Thursdays contest, tried out their gigantic racers today.
 Much interest today was manifested in the application of Bob Burman to enter the Grand Prize race in Benz. His ap- plication which would have required unan- imous vote to approve, was almost unani- mously rejected, as three Benz cars now are entered in the contest.
 It is stated, however, that Burman will be among the contestants and it is ex- pected that he will drive the Marmon in the place of Joe Dawson, who recently was injured in an accident on the Grand Prize course
 The prospects are that on account of weather conditions the record of 74.9 av- craze miles an hour made yesterday by Ralph Mulford, will not be broken Thurs day, despite the fact that much more powerful cars are entered in the race. The course is in poorer condition, than at the running of the Vanderbilt Cup race when it was soft in several places. Yes terday the worst place was on Ferguson avenue, where there is straight five mile stretch. 1t was here that Ralph De Pal ma almost lost tire and was forced to finish the race on the rim of his big Mercedes
 The weather forecast predicts freezing temperatures which will go long way toward helping the speed facilities of the course. Arrangements have been made for rollers to be run over the course early tomorrow and every effort is being
 made to put it in the best possible con- dition. 4EHf
 There was some .criticism today because the officials in the Vanderbilt Cup race failed to notify Bruce Brown that a wheel of his car was was in bad shape when it passed the judges stand. Bruce-Brown tonight stated that he had no intimation of the trouble which later resulted in his elimination from the race by the loss of wheel until his car became WoDDly ana unsafe. A serious accident was averted when his mechancan discovered the lost wheel. Many spectators and others mo- ticed the trouble when the Fiat passed the grandstand the last time.
 It was learned here tonight that Bob Burman and Joe Watson plan to make desperate efforts on the Santa Monica course to surpasse Mulfords record of 74.9 for 202 miles made yesterday In- tense rivalry has been precepitated by Mulford's accomplishment and many ra- nous drivers are planning to capture the laures.
 All of the 16 racing machines entered in the Grand Prize race were carefully gone over today by the expert mechanicians and drivers. Engines were turned up and careful tests made to detect flaws so that cars will be in perfect condition for the grilling test Thursday.