The Washington times., 1925-10-07

Drivers are returning TO the
Laurel track determined to master
the fastest course yet constructed.
Their first test of it in the inaugural
feature in July, demonstrated the
fact that in cars that could attain
a greater speed than ever before
shown on a board track lies the
solution to the problem which the
most steeply banked curves offer to
racedom. The speed demons viii
bring back cars primed to show the
utmost speed in a supreme effort
to master a course that has chal-
Ienged the cars and men who are
making racing history.
Because eighteen drivers have en-.
tsred thus far and several more
big league" pilots viii file applica-
ton soon, the keenest competition is
assured in the approaching feature.
The contest board of The American
Automobile Association, under whose
SANCTION the championship events
are neId probably Will limit the cars
starting to sixteen. This will neces-
state the elimination of several cars
in trials that are expected to fur
nish a host of thrills and possibly
some speed records even before the
major event begins. To assure them
selves of participation in the race,
the speed kings viii be called upon
to perform their trial runs wide
open.''
An imposing array Of stars is
promised followers of motor racing,
beginning with the veteran Ralph
de Palma, who since placed first at
Syracuse, the outstanding figures
in the sport of thrills will be seen
on the Laurel track this month.
Peter de Paolo returns to repeat
his victory at the local speedway
with the added distinction of a trip
abroad where, with Tommy Milton
and Peter Kriess, he was accorded
praise and admiration for the
craftsmanship shown by the Ameri-
can kings of speed. Peter de Paolo
viii be hard pressed not only by the
more experienced drivers, but by
such q successful newcomer to the
race tracks as Bob McDonough.
runner-up at Laurel and winner of
the recent Altoona classic.
Milton will have the opportunity
Of aiming at the world record for
ESQ miles on board tracks, set by
himself six months ago, when he
covered the distance at an average
speed of 1858 miles per hour. In
addition to this record, the drivers
are challenged by the performance
of De Paolo in a ten-mile exhibit
ton run on the Laurel track at the
rate of 1856 miles per hour, feat
which proved the claim that the
Maryland oval can produce the
fastest time yet recorded.
Among the other drivers who
signed up for the race this month
are Earl Cooper, Bennett Hill, Fred
Conner, Harry Harz, Jerry Wonder
lish, Ralph, Hepburn, Leon Duray,
F. P. Cramer, Frank Elliott, Fl. d.
Carpenter, Phil Shafer, Peter Kriess.
and Vic Spooner.
Fred Wagner, picturesque figure
Of the motor racing world, viii!
start the race. Looked to as an
authority on automobile racing and
a counsel to the drivers, 'Wag"
has warned them that the Laurel
track is faster than their cars,
and can be mastered only by show
ing the highest speed the tiny
mounts can produce.
Considerable interest is being
shown in the coming race. The
thousands of spectators who wit
messed the inaugural feature at the
Laurel track are looking forward
with renewed interest to another
opportunity to see the speed kings
In action. To leave no obstacle in
the way Of ecord-breakipg feats,
the speedway company has i'm
proved the physical features of the
track and eliminated minor defects