The New York Times/1906/4/15/Autos for French race

AUTOS FOR FRENCH RACE

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America Likely to be Contestant for Grand Prix Honors.

There is a fairly bright prospect that America may be represented in the Grand Prix race, to be held June 26 and 27 over the Sarthe course, about 125 miles south-west of Paris. The entries do not close until April 30. and American cars will be entered through the Automobile Club of America. W. S. Hogan, who is the club’s foreign representative, has received several cable messages from the club officials on behalf of the intending competitors, and detailed reports of the conditions and the nature of the racing course have been sent to this country.

Secretary S. M. Butler of the Automobile Club stated yesterday that no promise of entries had yet been made to him. It was learned, however, that two American manufacturers, both of whom took part in the Vanderbilt Cup race last year and who will be entered again this season, have been seriously considering the project of a European invasion. The outcome of these deliberations will be watched with interest during the next two weeks, and whatever the success or lack of success of the American cars may be, the mere fact of this country being actively represented in the biggest road contest abroad will, no doubt, be hailed with universal satisfaction. Since the Vanderbilt Cup race has been established in this greater respect for the mechanical and speed abilities of American cars has been engendered abroad. The mere entry of American cars in the Grand Prix event would be but a courteous recognition of the interest taken in our own Vanderbilt Cup race by foreign autoists, and its effect would be highly beneficial to international automobile interests.

Twelve cars representing four manu- country, and the best foreign drivers and machines have come over to compete, facturers have now been definitely entered for the Grand Prix, the De Dietrich team of three having been formally entered within the past week. Gabriel Rougler, and Duray will be the De Dietrich drivers. Gabriel is well known in this country, as he was a competitor in the first Vanderbilt race. A number of other teams will be entered within the next few days, among them being the Italian team of Fiat cars. Lancia and Nazzaro will be two of the drivers, and they will both be seen here again in October at the third running of the Vanderbilt Cup race.

One novel feature of the race is that all repairs to the competing cars must be made by the driver and his mechanic. No other persons will be allowed to approach the car during the contest for the purpose of lending mechanical assistance. The driver and their assistants are now taking lessons in the fitting of new tires in the shortest possible time. The race each day will be 375 miles.

It is also probable that American cars will be represented in the 3,000-mile touring event that is to be held under the auspices of the leading automobile club in Europe from July 29 to Aug. 15. Starting from Paris, the tour will make a grand circuit of the Continent, taking in Milan, Vienna, Berlin, Cologne, and back to Paris. Special classes have been provided so that cars of different size and horse power will receive equal consideration in the awards for general endurance. About a dozen cars have already been entered.