New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-02

from a physical but from a scientific
point Of view. II is also remarkable
that at this stage Of the motor sport
New York should be able to finance a
proposition Of this magnitude. 1t
could have been developed only through
: the cooperation Of unlimited financial
resources and the employment of the
finest Of engineering talent
Although speedways previously had
been erected in England and also in
indianapolis and Chicago, the promot-
ers Of the Sheepshead Bay track picked
for themselves an entirely new en-
gineering feat, and they have worked
10 out 10 the finest detail with aston
ishing results.
When the idea was presented TO the
men who have furnished the capital
with which 20 build this track there
was nothing as basis but the site of
the old Sheepshead Bay running track.
There was little TO encourage the
fnanciers 70 whom the project was
presented beyond the success of the
Indianapolis Speedway and the fact
that another speedway was about TO be
opened in Chicago.
IL was known even then that the au-
.omobile manufacturer had practically
withdrawn his support from motor rae
ing, and would neither interest himself
in the proposed speedways nor build
ing of cars for racing purposes. II was
also known that the famous racing cars
Of Europe had been turned into either
ambulances or transportation wagons
for the army and that the drivers who
formerly came 10 this country to at
tend the Vanderbilt and Gold Cup
races were indefinitely engaged on
army duty. There were in this coun-
try less than fifty machines available
for any kind of racing and large por
tion of these, it was known. were en-
tirely unsuitable for appearance on =
track as large as the Sheepshead Bay
Speedway.
Notwithstanding these conditions,
.he Sheepsheed Bay site was purchased
from the Coney Island Jockey Club
and hundreds of men were put TO work
wrecking the old track and the sur
rounding buildings. More than $1,000
900 WAS paid for the land. and the en-
tire track was cleared for the new
speedway and its accompanying grand
stands.
How Track Was Built.
There was considerable discussion
among the members of the corporation
which was created TO promote the
speedway as TO whether the surface OF
the track should be Of brick. cement or
wood. II was finally decided 10 build a
track entirely of wood. and, as subse-
ouent speed tests have proven, this was
unoues:ionably the best surface that
could have been employed.
Vincent Aston, who has always been
interested in automobile racing, came
forward with an offer for cup under
/ his name. 10 be coupled with the cash
prize of $4,000 put up by the Speed
? way Corporation. About TINS time
Fverard Thompson, former director OF
tho Yale Bowl. was engaged as general
manager, and he has been Responsible
for all the details in connection WIN
The speedway and the opening race
In presenting the Aston Cup MI. As
tor has not only carried ou' .ne traui,
lions Of his family in the support OF
I Tho highest class of American sports
hnt he has offered his cup in. such
90 that il il destined TO become the
hive American classic in Automobile
'fin5er The deed Of gift II must be
oonne,ed for on the Sheepshead pay
Sneedway. by motor cars running un-
A. ,bo rules of the American auto
,nohile Association. The contest must
ho held annually for distance when
NAV nj be determined by the sPeedw lay
Corporation upon the approval OIL 'ne
The cup must be contested fO or n NV,
consecutive times at Intervals rs G Iosn ned
less than one year. II will be loane ra
each year 10 the entrant ., wnOse The
finish first in the competition. ,ne
period Of possession VII m no,t CON.
IN. VI, yor he trophy, when the cup must
yes. aa Ill, TO the Speedway Corpora
tion. r.,i,ions the
.un vii GO TO the entrant having tn ns
cup eGpbss, total Of points for the entire s
n neyiod These points will be awarded ,;na.
Under the following stipaiA,,inoS or
Twenty points for first POSITION ~ ''