New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-02-26
Open Class in Grand Prize Gre
ated for American Cars.
PRIVATE OWNERS TO ENTER
Bridges Will Be Built Over the
Course and international Sig
nal Code Will Be Used.

In a letter n the Motor Contest Associa-
ton Of New York. c. N. Verney. chief Of
the technical committee of the Auto Club
Dc IA Sarthe, which has the French Grand
Prix race in charge. has given some inter-
esting details Of the reasons for the rules
and the course over which the worlds
greatest classic is 10 be run on July Q
The rules this year provide for two
classes In Class A the bore and stroke Of
competing four-cvlinder cars are limited
"a 423 inches and 70 Isl inches, respective
~. while in Class 3 the dimensions Of the
car are unlimited. save that there is pro-
vision that the maximum width shall not
exceed feet inches.
M vernev admitted that the open class
had been created for the purpose Of pro-
vi6ing q race for American cars, whose di-
mansions generally exceed those II foreign
manufacture, and ar the same time allow
the high powered cars. such as the Benz
Fiat, Renault. De OSTRICH Clement and
Others that are now owned by private psr-
ties. 70 compete
Nevertheless. he expects that the fastest
time win be made by the new machines
which are being built for Class A This is
ccnversant with the speed and reliability
performances OF such cars as the Alec.
National. Knox. Marquette-Buick, stearns.
Lozier. Simplex Marmon, standardization
and others will not agree.
Primarily. therefore, II would seem that
the American manufacturer ana sporting
rrfvate owner would select the open class
and enter The race with reliable hve-inch
car. The first private owner TO inquire for
entry blanks was Milton .. LLOYD. Of
Syracuse. who wrote the Motor Contest
Association that he is planning 70 take his
Knox racing car, which is capable OF nine
tv-two miles an hour. abroad, and is de-
sircus Of entering the French race. TIE
first inquiry from a manufacture came
from an agent Of the Buick Motor Com
pany On behalf Of the Marquette-Buick
racing cars.
As a matter Of business policy It is in
tel esting 10 consider trade possibilities.
The coronation in England VIII Hood the
whole Continent with buyers. Figures
Just published show what is happening in
the export field which reveals that the
United States is a poor fourth even in the
South American field. where, Of al parts
Of the world we should Be in the first
rank The development Of al export trade
is the best insurance against cverproductlon
or panic az home, and the sooner Amer
lean manufacturers establish branches in
Paris or London and show that they are Z
factor TO be reckoned with, just so soon
will The American industry be placed on a
frmer footing and unlimited expansion
made possible.
The West Of France Exposition Will draw
enormous crowds 10 lie Mans, in which
Town is situated the Sartne circuit, over
which the Grand Prix Will be run. The
circuit IS fifty kilometres (thirty niles in
extent over wide, level roads, and the
/ course contains but FIVE turns.
Luttgen. the veteran Mercedes pilot, and
! Hemery, Of the Benz team, toured over the
/ course recently and stated that it was faI
/ superior TO the one over which Navarro II
a Fiat won the last Grand Prx il 1907.
The Sarthe Club Will take especial pre-
/ cautions 10 make the course safe. Wooder
/ bridges viii cross the course at frequent
/ intervals. thus allowing spectators 70 water
| the races either on the straIghtaWays oil
/ Al one Of the turns. The International slS
/ nal code will De used 10 warn drivers Of
the condition Of the road ahead OF them
I Entry fees are $500 for one car, $50 To-
/ two and 81 90 for three.
/ Entries may be made through W. j. Nor
gan. president OF the Motor Contest Asso
citation, No. III Broadway, who Is the ON
/ cial representative Of the Automobile CluI
! de Ia Sarthe, or through the Automooiit
/ club OF America, which is the American
member Of the International Association OF
/ Recognized Automobile Clubs, under who's
rules the race will be run. Entry blanks
are expected with every mail, ana may %
/ had at either Of the above addresses.
Entries close on March 81 at the regular
Antrv fee and on June 1 at double entry