Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 37, Number 151, 30 April 1912 — Page 10

PAGE TWO-i

TJITS RICHMOND rAMtADlUM A ND SUN TEIEGIlA3IXTrESDAX, APTIIXi 30, 1D12. 4 !

PLANNING A RACE IS HARD WORK

"Speedface" of Howard Wilcox M'CONAHA COMPANY 1C HAS MODEL GARAGE

Many Intricate Details Must Be Worked Out and Publicity Secured.

BY C. E. 8TUART. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.', April 30. Successful preparation for an International sweepstakes event, such as was held In 1911 and is now being worked up for 1911 on Memorial day, is much tlve same as for any other large enterprise of the kind. It hinges entirely upon careful attention to minute detail and the systematic application of ordinary promotion, business and advertising methods. Primarily, the success of any public spectacle or exposition depends upon the 'ability of the promoters and their agents to reach the public through the various advertising channels, and to oreate a desire in the minds of their hearers and readers to witness the contest which they are offering. In this instance the methods employed to reach possible spectators in every part of the United States and Europe are thorough newspaper and magazine publicity; through circular advertising matter sent out in the malls to automobile clubs, automobile garages, and the community in general, by means of posters spread broadcast over the entire country and placed in such positions that they will catch the eyes of those who would be likely to be interested in such an affair. These, In a general way, along with word of mouth advertising, which is perhaps the most valuable, and only can be given by those who have witnessed a previous contest of the kind constitute the more important methods of telling the public what we have to offer. ' Under each general head , comes a Mass of detail which takes months of time to carry out. Hundreds of minor things which would not be apparent to thecasual observer come up constantly. Six Months' Work Required. Tw inch an event as a 500-mile international sweepstakes race, it takes at least six solid months of preparation. This preparation Involves advertising the race, obtaining entries, preparing the course for the accommodation of the crowds, and running of the event; the disposition of seats, and taking care of accommodations for visitors from outside the city. Bach of these means seemingly an vnendless task in the beginning, but systematic and constant application

fa the only remedy which can be ap- j

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., April 30 Every form of contest is disappointing in some detail to the spectators. Motor car racing, thrilling though it may be, is no exception. Hundreds of spectators at various automobile races have made the remark, "I wish I could see the driver's face," but disappointment greets them every time for the reason that goggles and a liberal quantity of greasy dirt cover the flying pilot's face so completely that his features are not discernible. No matter what the contour of a race driver's face may be, if he is a seasoned veteran of the sport, his face assumes a similarity of lines and expressions that stamp his trade the same as the Bertilllon system betrays its victims the tense facial muscles and squinted eyes mark hira every time. Probably one of the best examples of these expressions is found in the picture of Howard Wilcox, one of the stars of the National racing team. He has grown up in the speed atmosphere and has been one of the most success

ful drivers during the past two or three years. Wilcox is shown here wearing his "speed face." The photograph was obtained with difficulty as it was necessary for the photographer to ride on the running board of the car and snap the driver's face as he was flying through the air at the rate of more than a mile per minute. The goggles were lifted to show the natural position of the eyes while driving at high speed. The face has a fierce, almost brutal look and the set expression of the eyes shows clearly how intent a driver is upon his task. At terrific speed he must think quickly and act with accurate haste despite thrills, hazards and hardships. Despite the fact that the eyes are almost closed when a car is traveling at high speed, the drivers see clearly and look between the narrow slits with a keenness that seldom falters. This picture of Wlleox i? probably the most unique ever obtained of a race driver in action.

Announcement was made today by the McConaha company of the many improvements to their garage at 13-15 South Fourth street. The company formerly occupied two rooms, but just recently made an arrangement whereby two extra rooms were procured. Included in the department is a ladies' rest room, a repair room, sales room and office. An air compressor has been Installed in the repair room which is for the use of the public, free of charge. This in itself is an important feature as it shows the company is ready at all times to extend special courtesy to its many customers and friends. The manager of the McConaha company 6ays that without a doubt there are more Flanders and E. M. F. cars sold in Wayne county than any other make of cars. As a proof of the quality and durability of the cars which they handle it has been necessary to increase the sales force.

SOME TIRE HINTS.

piled to straighten out the myriad little difficulties. Success in obtaining entries for a raoe of this kind depends to a great ' : extent upon the interest which is cre- ' ated In the mind of the public, thus lit oan be Bald that advertising the ; contest Is perhaps the most important ' feature of all. If the manufacturers and other contestants find that the motoring world Is devoting a large ; amount of attention to the race, they , see where they can derive greater benefit from it than, if it were passing bv annarentlv unnoticed On th nth-

i , er hand, when the public sees that the

manufacturers and contestants are entering in the race and constantly in- : ereasing the magniture of the event j It becomes more Interested than before. In each case the progress of one S condition Is dependent upon the proi gress of the other.

If Speedway Only Track of Kind.

The advertising and promotion of i an International sweepstakes race is given a decided impetus basically by the fame of , the Indianapolis Motor j speedway. '. Having the distinction of being the only track of the kind In the United States, it natually creates a certain amount of interest, even I were a smaller event to be staged, but the American public has become more and more exacting in its demands for l entertainment and the old "humbug Idea" of P. T. Barnum has "gone by ! the boards." Today It is necessary to . offer something different than before in order to attract an unusual amount ; of public interest. Thus it is necessary in the preparation for an event of this I kind to point, out to the public just i wherein it will see something different t and more interesting than pefore. i With that plan In mind this second ' 600-mile race has attached to it the i requirement for better and faster cars than participated In the last one. A visitor at the automobile race I goes essentially to witness high speed and daring performance. Where these " two are combined there is certain to be an -element of danger both for the contestant and spectator unless properly protected. Here appears another : phase of preparation for an event of ' this kind, and a moat important phase i is the provision of absolute saftey for the spectators and in so far as possible for, the contestant. Every possible means must be devised and tried out to prevent the public in moments of excitement from putting itself in danger. Again the promoter is stared In the face by hundreds of details which come up daily and " many perplexing problems which must be solved without question of the correctness of the solution, for should a mistake be made Jt might prove fatal. - Another item of preparation which must be given due consideration is the feeding of the large crowd and the provision of the necessary comforts. This again brings on a mass of detail which only can be worked out in the same systematic manner. Again the solutton of the problem must be correct or hardships will be worked upon the patrons of the contest. Must Not Make Mistakes. The peculiar situation which the promoters face In preparing for an ! event of this description which lasts but one day and then passes into history as being terminated forever, is that mistakes can not be made. Of course, minor difficulties are sure to arise In certain instances, but the most Important matters I must be setUed definitely and correctly before the . time of the event. It Is apparent that fully one-half of the preparation for:

an international sweepstakes race is in figuring out the possible mistakes and in solving the exact manner in which they can be prevented under many different conditions. This part of the preparation takes fully as much time as the devising of plans for making the event successful. In other words, the entire work of preparing for an international sweepstakes race may be summed up in the

epigram of a who said: "Be tnen go ahead.'

Philadelphia sure you are

lawyer, right-

Under the Stone. A four-year-old listened attentively while his mother sang: They have fitted a slab of granite so gTay, And sweet Alice lies under the atone. "Was sue masUed, mamma)' he asked.-Everybody's.

The service bureau of the United States Tire company, which now has a membership of 18,000 motorists, announces spring suggestions for tire users. Some of them are given below: Before you finish tuning up your car for the coming season take your casings off and examine the. rims. If they are rusty don't fail to scrape and paint them. And don't put the casings back until you have made sure that the rims are absolutely true and free from dents. If the rear tires are worn get a new pair for the rear and let the old casings spend their declining days on the front wheels, where the service is easier. You will be money in pocket by so doing. Test the alignment of your axles. The easiest way is to measure between the felloes of the wheels or the edges of the rims at the point directly in front of the axle. If this measurement differs from the same measurement taXen on the opposite of the wheels It shows the axles are cut of alignment. Correct this defect immediately or expect big tire bills. Buy a good pressure gauge and register a solmen vow to use it frequently and regularly throughout the sea3on. If you add new accessories this spring be sure they do not bring the weight of your car above the weight your tires arc designed to carry. If you are in doubt about this matter be on the safe side and buy the larger size tires which are made for your present rim equipment. The cost a little more to buy but considerably less to use.

n a m o o o na m u m u o m u mm do a m u m m m m m m

Q El 0

q iill . H liii EI I The Steel of the Jlge

n TOUGHEST

STRONGEST

LIGHTEST

A bar of the best steel after going through the process of vanadium FROM FOUR TO SIX TIMES AS STRONG.

heat treatinq becomes from

OT'S

FL5)2I5H.

Henry Ford has done more than any man living to perfect vanadium steel. He owns and operates the largest and best vanadium heat treating plant in the world. Every vital part of the Ford Car Is made of this steel axles, shafts, springs, motor parts, fender irons, lamp brackets, bolts, nuts etc.

n That's Why : The ford is guaranteed for life. D Weighs half as much p Lasts twice as long Will carry twice the load

Travels 25 miles per gallon of gasoline Travels from 7000 to 10,000 miles on a set of tires Takes all hills on high speed Is the Universal Car. Its the lightest, Tightest most economical. The two-passenger car costs $590 F, O. B., Detroit; complete with all equipment; the 5 passenger but $690. Buy a Ford because it is a better car not because it is cheaper. . The price is just another extra advantage. Write for catalogue or see us for demonstration. THE ALBRIGHT-BETHARD Auto Agency Richmond Auto Inn Richmond, Ind. FORD AGENCY FOR WAYNE COUNTY

a a

a D a a

DSON

HIGHEST. raiCED

CAR S

OLD

The Quietest Car in the World Absence of noise indicates perfect balance only accomplished by the most skilled workmen. The Simplest Car Built The Hudson "33" has approximately 1000 fewer parrs than the ordinary automobile. Fewer parts to get out of order, become noisy, and to care for. The Best Car Sold Under $2500.00 The simplest way is always best. Fewer parts to allow for the best matrial and workmanship. The Hudson "33" is the quality car.

nvite Comparison

Look at Your Neighbor's Car too . Does it start easily? Has it a self starter? Does it require great strength to "push out" the clutch or to "put on" the breaks or is a slight pressure all that is necessary? Does the car start with a jerk or lunge, or does it move off with the smoothness of an ocean liner? Is the car hard to steer hard to keep the road? Does the car run as smoothlly and quietly after a few month's service as it did when new? Can it go but 8 or ten miles on a gallon of gasoline while the mileage should run 60 to 80 per cent greater? To keep the car in running order must you be continually tinkering with one part or another while you are lead, to expect that you should seldom have occassion to open the tool kit? Are the different parts of the car bought in all the 'different parts of the country and just "put together," or is the car designed and built exclusively in one factory by skilled workmen? The owner of an "assembled" automobile probably finds that his car needs attention from time to time and that the dealer from whom he purchased has not the facilities, equipment, and organization to afford immediate aid. Such a car may at the end of a year or two prove to have cost as much to keep going as was its original cost. The owner may then attempt to sell it and find that it has been bought at a discount. There are many cars sold that way. A high list price is named by the maker and the profit allowed the dealer is so large that the makers intend that the price shall be cut, with the result that the owner finds it impossible to advantageously dispose of his car, even though it is in good shape, because some other owner of a similar car has bought it for less money than he has paid. Who is the designer of your neighbor's car? Howard E. Coffin is probably the foremost designer of motor cars today. He designed four of America's leading cars. He has never marketed a failure. THE HUDSON "33" IS HOWARD E. COFFIN'S MASTERPIECE.

It is One Price to All Completely quipped

F. O. B. Richmond, Ind. ALBRIGHT- BETHARD Auto Agency Richmond, Auto Inn RICHMOND, INDIANA AGENTS TOR: WAYNE, RANDOLPH, HENRY, FAYETTE AND UNION C0LNTIES

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