Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-05


in tie at any time there wouldn't be another
attempt.
The train was travelling so miles an hour
and was forced to step the roadster up to
10 miles more that that I did 1t twice, and
after each trip told the director could get
closer. He said o. K and the third time was
the last, for I didn't feel that it would be
necessary to go again-when crossed in front
OF the train, looked down at my rear wheel
and found that the cowcatcher was only two
feet from my car"
THERE are times when Bergeres stunts
aren't recorded by q battery of camera
men-that's when he is following the gasoline
trail, the path which is leading him to Daytona.
But on those occasions his stunts were re-
corded In the minds Of the thousands who pack
Americas speedways each year. Out in Ascot
when you mention the name Of Cliff Berpere
you bring back to mind the daddy" of thrills
To the fans who packed the Ascot speedway
each Saturday night in those twilight" races
back in 1924, Cliff Bergere was synonymous
with busted fences, tail spins and nerve
wracking finishes on the five-eighths Of a mile
dirt oval
To those fans Bergere, Duray and LockhaJt
mean triangle symbolizing the height of
thrills. Each night, with nothing but the glow
of electric arcs to light the way, Bergere went
through fence after fence, spun time after
time to feed the thrill-hungry fans
But he wasn't just darn fool" Bergere
holds one Of the most coverted honors of the
Ascot sector-the $4,000 italian crown which
he wrested from De Palma in 1924 in the niolt
campaign. The title, carrying with it a studded
crown, Is presented to the most valuable driver
by the italian colony of Los Angeles
Perhaps one OF the stunts which helped
6efgere 10 this honor Is finish, one of the
most sensational known to racing Rounding
the turn into the home stretch In one of the
night races, Cliff skidded, slid down the
straightaway, crashed into an opposing car,
was hurled into the air and crossed the finish
line upside down-but a winner.
N major events, since his entrance into big
time" at Indianapolis Memorial day. 1927
Bergere'S life has been one skid after anothe9
which has brought him to the fans notice
Doing 100 miles per hour on the Salem boards
on July 4. 1928. Bergere hit a hole, went into
spin, tore about go feet from the guard rail
and folded the tail of his car like an accordion
Bergere displayed his great GOODNESS at the
1929 Altoona Speedway Flag day races After
the crash which claimed Keech's life, injured
Woodbury. and halted the event, Bergere walked
AAohl HIS PIT 10 the mlcrOph0ne to tell the
anxious fans just what had happened IN
assisted, he walked to the press box and gave
the account less than five minutes after the
crash through which he rode.
With a family background Of which to be
proud, Bergere has proved to his parents that
ne is capable of mastering tiny motor and
gods OF speed. His father one of the founders
OF the Title Guaranty & Trust Co. of New
York City; his grandfather, owner and builder
OF the Pontcosuc Woolen Mills, Pittsfeld,
MASS, and his mother, held as PittSfields
oeauyt, all objected to the Hollywood sheiks
dickering with fate. But now that he has
proved his worth as nerve-teaser, they well
come him with open arms
Mrs Cliff Bergere, herself a movie actress.
is one Of Cliffs strongest boosters and his con-
slant companion.
Bergere's personal qualifications for the Cruel
mig task OF driving . car faster than any
human has ever driven one before cannot be
questioned. But whether he succeeds depends
on whether his auto will be mechanically capa-
Die OF delivering sufficient speed