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In late August between 1910 and 1915, then again in 1919, 1920 and 1933, the Elgin National Road Races were held on variations of an 8.5 mile circuit on the west side of town. The events drew huge crowds of thrill seekers to witness the great drivers of the early days of auto racing compete at high speeds on public roads. The gravel track required an estimated 50,000 gallons of oil to keep the dust down and local farmers sold tickets, concessions and lodging to the thousands of spectators who flocked to that industrial town west of Chicago for 2 days of death defying action.
Over the years, Elgin National Road Races drew such names as Barney Oldfield, Eddie Rickenbacker, Ray Harroun, Ralph DePalma, Tommy Milton, Fred Frame and Ralph Mulford to compete for the Tiffany designed solid silver Elgin National Cup
Memorabilia from the Elgin National Road Races is extremely rare, as you might imagine, so we are very pleased to offer this pair of century old Official Pennants from the 1910 and 1913 Elgin National Road Races.
1910 Elgin National Road Race Pennant
This Pennant from the Inaugural 1910 Elgin Road Races, won by Ralph Mumford in a Lozier, measures approximately 21" x 8" and is in excellent condition, considering its age. No tears or holes. We have enhanced the screened lettering and graphics in the photo below to show the detail a bit better.
1913 Elgin National Road Race Pennant
The 1913 Pennant shows a bit of fading but is also in excellent condition taking age into consideration. No tears or holes. It measures 26" x 10". Ralph DePalma, who was to win the Indianapolis 500 two years later, won the Chicago Auto Club Trophy in the 1913 feature race driving a Mercer. DePalma was the most successful driver in the history of the Elgin National Road Race with 5 feature wins. His other four victories came behind the wheel of a Mercedes.
Offered As A Pair
Because of the unique status of these Pennants, they are not on our regular Online Shopping Website and we have not set individual prices. The owner is considering serious offers for the pair.
with all inquiries or offers.
If you'd like more information on the Elgin National Road Races, you can download an interesting history of the event HERE.
- Paul
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