Driver of the Week: Arthur Duray (1905 and 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races)
Since the next Long Island car show is now over four months away, it is time to introduce a new VanderbiltCupRaces.com series: Driver of the Week. First up is Arthur Duray, a French driver who participated in the 1905 and 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Courtesy of the book "The First American Grand Prix" by Tanya A. Bailey
From left to right: drivers, Louis Wagner, Ferenc Szisz and Arthur Duray form La Vie au Grand Air "The Three Champions of 1906."
Duray during the 1905 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Howard Kroplick: Duray was captured in this iconic image of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race.
A spare tire and rim strapped to the back of the #18 Lorraine-Dietrich broke loose during the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race and began to thrash the gas tank. Riding mechanician Franville clutched the heavy mounted tire and lost his balance. Just as the car skidded through the turn, Duray handled the tight corner with one hand on the wheel while rescuing his assistant with his left arm.
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