Historic Precedent
The Vanderbilt Cup Races and Formula 1
Formula 1 actually has a historic precedent in N.Y.
on which to build history.
Vanderbilt Cup Races
The U.S. Grand Prix at Jones Beach proposal is not meant as simply another place to race; F1 can do that anywhere; F1 Nassau County NY is meant as a place where F1 can build history on top of its own history, dating back 121 years.
The Vanderbilt Cup Races, an international race, founded by William Kissam Vanderbilt ll predates Indianapolis 500, which began in 1911, by seven years.
Historic Precedent - Mercedes
> Mercedes #1
You may be surprised to learn that in 1904
Mercedes Benz was racing its cars in America, and right here in Nassau County, through the Town of Hempstead as an entrant to the 30.27 mile (48.7 km)
Vanderbilt Cup Races.
Mercedes #3
The Vanderbilt Cup Races
Historic Precedent - FIAT
FIAT
Vanderbilt Cup Races
FIAT Vanderbilt Team 1906
Incredibly, FIAT, the Italian auto manufacturer, was also here in Nassau County in 1905, racing its cars, which were driven by Vincenzo Lancia, who would later go on to found the Lancia automobile brand, which today is a part of FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
FIAT #8
Vincenzo Lancia - FIAT
Vanderbilt Cup Races
FIAT and Louis Chevrolet
Swiss-born driver and co-founder of the Chevrolet Motor Car Company, by the name of Louis Chevrolet, raced on Willis Avenue in Albertson, driving a FIAT in 1905.
Historic Precedent Nassau County
The 1st International Auto Race
All of these century-old historic gems, and more, have been compiled on a remarkable web site, along with vintage photos of the drivers, cars, track, towns, and landmarks such as the prominent Garden City Hotel, which served as the off-track race headquarters.
Created by Mr. Howard Kroplick, the site is called:
Historical Forerunners To The U.S. Grand Prix at Jones Beach
121 years ago, crossing the Atlantic Ocean was not an easy endeavour, but it was an exciting time; the birth of the automobile, the call of the race.
This call propelled the likes of Mercedes and FIAT in their early years to make the long journey to America, right here to Nassau County, Long Island, our home.
Garden City Hotel FIAT Team 1906
Historic Precedent - Enthusiasm
Mr. Kroplick's research and enthusiasm brings the relevant history of auto racing on Long Island to life through The Vanderbilt Cup Races and presents a remarkable historic precedent to the proposed U.S. Grand Prix at Jones Beach since those participants in 1904 were the historical forerunners to some of the modern teams of Formula One.
> Mercedes #18 - 1905
121 years later, the U.S. Grand Prix at Jones Beach proposal would see The Vanderbilt Cup teams' successors racing in Nassau County once again.
/ / / / / / /
Without the slightest exaggeration,
Formula One would be coming home.
Formula One Long Island F1 LI
