The Press and Officials’ Stand in Hempstead Plains


On September 10, 1908, the AAA Race Commission announced plans to christen the Motor Parkway with an event called, “The Long Island Motor Parkway Sweepstakes.” Five concurrent stock car races were scheduled for October 10, 1908. The idea was to create an opportunity to test the new course, timing systems, and crowd control for the Vanderbilt Cup Race scheduled two weeks later. Officials of the Motor Parkway Sweepstakes met in front of the new double-decker press and officials’ stand on race day.