The 1906 French Grand Prix-The Forerunner of the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race
Less than four months before the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race, the first French Grand Prix was held outside of Le Mans on June 26 and 27, 1906. The race was well-documented in this 10-minute film in which nine Vanderbilt Cup Race drivers and their racers participated.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
George Health-Panhard
1906 French Grand Prix- #10A
Finished 6th
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race-#2
Finished 9th
Camille Jenatzy- Mercedes
1906 French Grand Prix- #6A
Finished 10th
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race- #3
Finished 5th
Felice Nazzaro- FIAT
1906 French Grand Prix-#2B
Finished 2nd
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Races-#8
Finished 6th
Vincenzo Lancia-FIAT
1906 French Grand Prix- #2A
Finished 5th
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race- #4
Finished 2nd
Elliot Shepard-Hotchkiss
1906 French Grand Prix-#12C
Retired after 7 laps
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race-#6
Finished 15th
Albert Clement- Clement-Bayard
1906 French Grand Prix- #13A
Finished 3rd
1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race-#15
Finished 4th
Comments
A secret weapon….Removable wheels ended up being the reason why many won in 1906. Amazing to think technology was there for electric cars and other advanced items, but not an inflated spare tire.
While it initially helped, it could have hindered as well. during the 1906 Vanderbilt Elimination trials, Hubert LeBlon experienced more time lost due to the removable rim. When he had a puncture, he found himself at the Old Westbury tire station with a tire crew unfamiliar with the removable rim. After 5 minutes, he ended up changing the tire himself.
Great detailed observation, Greg. Details of the early races are becoming clearer.