Evening star., 1927-05-08
RY w. j. X0SS.


What is to be the future of the giant
motor speedway near Laurel. Md?
Is it again to be the scene of those
stirring spectacles which only the
fastest automobiles can create? VIII
great throngs again thrill to the cal.
culating skill of Peter De Paolo or the
cool daring of Jimmy Gleason? Or
will it be the youthful valOr of Bob
McDonogh or Fred Winnai that will
bring the crowd gasping to it's feet? ?
Is the huge half-million dollar automo-
bile race course to lie idle throughout
the year 1927 while records are shat
tered elsewhere and crowds are given
their thrills at other great motor rae
ing arenas?
These and many other questions are
asked more insistently as time passes
and no announcement Is Forthcoming
as to the racing program for the Lau-
rel automobile speedway. The follow
ers of this sport that defies death for
the glory of cOnquering time are
legion in and around the National
Capital, and their interest in the ex-
ploits of the kings of speed Is an en-
during one. With nothing in the way
of a seasonal schedule in sight. keen
apprehension Is felt in the ranks OF
motor racing enthusiasts, for with
fine weather at hand the thoughts of
those who love this sport of thrills
are turning to those huge bowls where
man matches his skill and courage
against the endurance Of tiny motor
car.
Fans Eager for Thrills.
For the followers of this pastime
who reside in Washington. Baltimore
and the other communities within q
few hours travel. interest centers
around the Baltimore Washington
Speedway, near Laurel. After it's two
years of nerve-stirring contests. they
are wondering what is to happen to
the big pine oval. Whether it is to
marshal an array OF thrills under the
banner of the American Automobile
Association or the National Motor
Racing Association or whether the
track is to be used for stock-car en-
durance runs or races is causing nc
end of speculation. Race enthusiasts
would like to have their anxiety put
at rest, and that only can be done by
an announcement that automobile con
tests are to be continued in some form
at Laurel
II Washingtonians and their neigh
bors were yet to have the opportunity
to witness the nerve.tingiing spec
tacles of the motor race course near
home, it would be quite a differen
matter. In that event it would bt
necessary for them to acquire liking
for the sport, but when they gather
in crowds as great as $4,000 to see the
best pilots of the present day, it may
be- assumed that the groundwork fOl
popularizing the sport has been laiC
well and permanently.
Each event brought throngs of spec
| tators to Laurel, many of them goinl
TO witness their first automobile race
| Consequently the four race dates al
| the Maryland speedway were instru
| mental in giving more than 100.00(
| persons a pronounced taste for these
contests of speed and daring. They
| went there to see what every one
seeks at the contest of motors will
| death and time, and since it wa'
| thrills they were seeking, they were
well repaid.
| Facilities Are Ample.
Any suggestion, therefore, tha'
| automobile racing in and around tht
National Capital has come to an end
after two years that were merely in
| troductory should be received with
genuine regret by the thousands who
went to Laurel and planned to &c
again.