Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
AUTOMOBILE RACING
AUTOMOBILE RACING.
See: Category: Automobile Racing
Driving the "most powerful auto ever built, famed race car driver Barney Oldfield came to Dubuque in June 18, 1910. His appearance was made possible by the Twin City Aviation Company which had him contracted to appear at another track the following week. Oldfield, it was said, was anxious to come to Dubuque because it was one of the few town in the nation in which he had not been seen and NUTWOOD PARK one of the few places he had not tried for a record. In observing the course, he hoped to be able to drive a mile in around 54 seconds. This would mean he would needed to pass the spectators' section at a rate of about 100 miles an hour. Oldfield's fastest time in the "Biltzen-Benz," his 200 h.p. German-engineered car, was recorded in Florida at 141 miles per hour. The car had cost $22,000 to build. Oldfield bought it second-hand for $14,500. It had only been used four times on a mile circular track. (1)
In addition to the time trials on June 19th, Oldfield was scheduled for several races. He was then planning to drive a 60 h.p. Knox stock car which held the world's speed record for machines of the chassis type. Among those racing against Oldfield was Ben Kercher and George Clark who won the Southern championship. (2)
Oldfield achieved his goal. Driving his Benz, he set a new track record at Nutwood Park and circular tracks in this part of the country. He achieved a mile on his second attempt in 53 seconds with the speed greatly decreased on the sharp curves. (3)
On August 3, 1913 "a spectacular carnival of speed and daring on land and in the air, rivaling anything as yet seen in this vicinity" took place at Nutwood Park. Automobile racing events included Ed Gardner who won the 1,100 mile race in Los Angeles who entered hyis National Racing Car.Barney Oldfield's Knox racing car was also entered and driven by L. Caldwell. "Apperson Jackrabbit," another well-known car was driven by "Speedy" Kinell. The "Jackson Racer" was driven by Charlie Crowley. All the cars were also entered in the 10 and 25 mile racing events for cars with piston displacement of 318 cubic inches Class A. (4)
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Source:
1. "Oldfield and His Racers in Town," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 19, 1910, p. 20
2. Ibid.
3. "Oldfield Sets a New Track Record," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 20, 1910, p. 6
4. "Dubuque To Have Speed Carnival," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, July 31, 1913, p. 9
