The Washington herald., 1911-04-30

But eight days remain before the entry
list for the "Four-leaf Clover Run" to
be run. May 15-ls. closes. Sixteen ma
chimes have been nominated and 1t is
expected at least ten more cars will be
entered. Several are waiting until they
receive sdvices from their factories.
Unlike most endurance runs that have
started from this city. the one to be
held two weeks hence will be In the ma
ture Of a Joy ride. All Of the contest
ants are back in this city each night and
but one Of the days run. that to York.
and return, is any way long. This day
the cars will be required to travel about
I75 miles. However, the roads are such
that each and every machine should be
back in Washington long before 1t Is
due to arrive On the third day the worst
road Of the trip will be encountered, the
stretch between Falls Church and Lees
burg, Va. This road is somewhat rough,
but If the weather conditions are good
there should be no trouble.
Capt. johnson, Of the Auto Club, has
received a score or more Of applications
from people who are desrous Of making
one or more OF the trips as passengers.
To all, however, he has given the same
answer, they must arrange for them
selves with the different dealers II they
wish to go. A number are also planning
to make the trip in their own cars as
noncontestants, following along In the
van of the crowd.
The latest to nominate cars are the
Carter Motor Car Corporation, who have
entered two Washington cars. a roadster
and touring car. They have had cars
entered in all Of the runs which either
started or finished in this city, and the
number of trophies which they have are
the best evidence of the showing OF these
machines. A Gary Carter, president Of
the company, Is a firm believer in endur-
ance contests.
The Hudson car, though It has never
competed in any local endurance runs,
has made an enviable reputation for
itself in other sections. H. B. Leary, jr.,
who is the representative Of this
machine is strongly impressed with the
idea that each night control is to be at
home.
Miller Brothers, who are numbered
among the pioneer automobile dealers of
Washington, have always been represent
ed in endurance runs. Up to this year
the Ford, which they have handled for
a long time, has been Their standby, but
this year they are pinning their faith on
two cars instead Of one. the Velie, a ma
chine which they have taken on within
the past year, being the other car which
they have entered. Charles Miller. who
Is TO drive IT, has the reputation Of COM
ing through contests with a perfect score
and on more occasions than one has car
ried off the cup
Whoever catches the pilot car, which
in all runs is the ambition of the different
contestants, in the vague hope that per-
haps something will happen to it. will. in
this run have his work cut out for him.
1t is to be a Matheson six-cylinder rae
ing car, the same one which has COM
peted in several long-distance events. w.
B. McBurney, the pilot, plans to be so
far ahead Of the crowd that the confetti
trail which the pilot strews will be the
only sign that he has gone by.
Ted" Johnston and his model 21 Buick
will carry the referee. In addition to
carrying this official the car will likewise
set the pace for the run. 1t is 10 leave
at least ten minutes in advance Of the
first contestant. Johnston's ability as q
driver and his car are both well enough
known to assure all there will be little
need Of crowding the pacemaker.
On all endurance runs there is one
car which has the burden Of work to
do and that Is the starters car. 1t is last
out Of a control and must be in in ample
time to start the machines on their way
again. George Meeley has donated the
service of his own private machine for
this purpose, and as he claims to assure
all that they need have no worry about
the machine being held up on account Of
tire trouble. he is going to equip Il with
Firestone tires.
The press car is a sort OF free lance
but 1t is imperative that it be into con-
trolls in ample time for the o. .cial pho
tographer to obtain photographs Of the
crowd as we'll as to enable its passen-
gers to get into teiegraphic communica-
tions with the city. ]. E. Sheldon and
his Rambler will fulfill this position.
AS for the officials they are all well
known to the local motoring public. but
at the same time men who are not en-
gagged in selling automobiles. w. D.:
West. the referee on previous contests
Of this nature, has won the confidence
OF all by the manner in which he de-
cides points on the rules. william Jose
has the knack Of starting cars down SO
fine that when a machine il due out at
specified time he can get II away within
fraction Of a second.
The chief observer must not only keep
track of all Of the observers cards, but
Of his observers as well, and see that
they are not assigned to the same car
two days in succession. Frank Boyd
qualified for this position on previous oc-
casions. and he Is to act in the same
capacity in this run. He will have for his
assistants, In the capacity Of checkers.
Wade Powers and Fred Harveycutter.