Arizona republican., 1920-12-12
American Ace NoIU Sheridan Manager
 On Pacific Coast

An announcement of more than usual interest to the motor car industry and to the general public as well, was made in this city yesterday Capt. F. V. Rickenbacher. Americas Ace of Aces, !" has engaged in the automobile business. The premier ace of the American fore es, is now vice president and general manager of the Sheridan Motor com pany of California.
 In the Sheridan enterprise, Ricken- bacher is associated with R. C. Durant. son of W. C. Durant, head of the great General Motors Corporation, and with c. M. Stoves, one of the best known men in the automobile industry on the Pacific coast.
 The organization of the Sheridan in terests in California, bringing together as 1t does, Durant, Rickenbacher and Stoves, is the latest claim laid to the title of The Pacific coasts greatest motor car merchant" by young Durant. For some time it has been the common belief that the younger Dusent would control the sale of the Sher Gan in the West; but it was not known just how he would organize his forces to handle this new master piece of the General Motors Corporation.
 When Captain Rickenbacher came West and made his headquarters in the Durant offices, it was naturally believed that the Ace of Aces" was interested only in the aviation end of the Durant interests. It was even announced at one time, unofficially. that Captain Rickenbacher was to take charge of Durant's flying field. Even the closest friends of Rickenbacher and Durant did not suspicion the outcome of their con- ferences.
 Durant and Rickenbacher have been friends for several years. A short time after Durant jumped from obscur- ity to fame as a result of his driving in the last Los Angeles to Phoenix road race, he and Rickenbacher were driv- ing in speed contests on the coast. They rolled together on all the famous cours- e5 of California and at the Tacoma speedway. The last race they drove together was the Santa Monica road race, just before Rickenbacher sailed for Europe to make history Durant tried to join hi min the air service in France but did not get across; !" however when the Ace of Aces" re- turned to the United States, Durant was on hand to welcome him home.
 After spending many months investi- gatng propositions all over the country the great air fighter paid a visit to Durant at his home in Oakland. Those who thought they were in a position tc know, claimed that the "Ace of Aces was going to join Durant in his aircraft enterprise. It was soon generally be- lieved that Rickenbacher was to be- come manager of the Durant aviation interests; but all rumors were dispelled when it was officially announced a few days ago that the premier ace and tlfe young motor car manufacturer and dis tributor were to become associated ir the motor car field. There were a few days of wondering. and then it was an- nounced that the Sheridan was the car that they were interested in.
 Durant will not give up any of his other automotive interests in taking over the Sheridan line for the western states. Mexico and the Islands of the Pacific. c. M. Stoves will also continue as head of Durant's sales department at the Chevrolet factory; but Rioken- bacher will devote his entire time and energy to the Sheridan.
 The Ace of Aces" is planning on a visit to Phoenix within a short time. Ii will be his first visit to the Salt River valley although he has many friends in this city. There are already several applications in for the Phoenix territory and it will be for the purpose of select ing the most likely applicant for this section that Rickenbacher will come here personally.