Vanderbilt Demonstration Runs Aug. 8

Friday, 30 July 2010 00:00

This year’s Vanderbilt Demonstration runs will once again celebrate the repatriation of the Alco Racer that won the 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup races for the USA.

East Hills resident Howard Kroplick, the author of several books on the Vanderbilt Cup races, will be there to demonstrate his “Black Beast” at speed. Timed Demonstration Runs for cars with a racing heritage and a display of exotic vehicles are the highlights of the day. Provenance Judging will be based on live broadcast interviews with the owners of all entered cars based on special significance, not spit and polish.

Display cars are invited to try the Demonstration Run course after the Timed Runs are completed at 3:30 p.m. All vehicles may be entered in both Display and Demonstration Runs and will be eligible for Provenance Awards. Competition vehicles and club groups are invited to participate.

A unique vestige of a bridge abutment at Clinton Avenue and the original Vanderbilt Cup raceway that became the Long Island Motor Parkway are preserved in a wooded area to the southwest.

A bit of local history - Roosevelt Field is the second largest shopping mall in the state of New York.

Most interesting is the fact that it is located on land that was once considered the world’s premier airport during the 1920s and ’30 and considered the “cradle of American aviation.” The food court located on the upper level of the mall commemorates early aviation history at Roosevelt field with a spectacular full-size replica of the Zeppelin airship for all to enjoy.

The Vanderbilt Timed Demonstration Runs and Concours de Provenance take place at the southwest parking lot of Roosevelt Field near the Stewart Avenue entrance.  Spectators are welcome at no charge.

Directions: Take Meadowbrook Parkway Exit M2 West to the southwest parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.