Stow, MA, June 26, 2008 — With today’s gas prices approaching $5 a gallon, many industry pundits are praising the latest advances in new technologies. Hybrids, electric cars, vehicles powered by water, all poised to solve the transportation issues of the day. Well this phenomenon is not new and has been ongoing since the invention of the first automobile. To highlight the significance of how history can repeat, the Collings Foundation will host an extraordinary event that pits some of the greatest mobility based technological advancements in “Race of the Century”. During the early 1900’s the first electric and hybrid auto […]
Stow, MA, June 26, 2008 — With today’s gas prices approaching $5 a gallon, many industry pundits are praising the latest advances in new technologies. Hybrids, electric cars, vehicles powered by water, all poised to solve the transportation issues of the day. Well this phenomenon is not new and has been ongoing since the invention of the first automobile. To highlight the significance of how history can repeat, the Collings Foundation will host an extraordinary event that pits some of the greatest mobility based technological advancements in “Race of the Century”.
During the early 1900’s the first electric and hybrid auto carriages were invented. The thought of a “horseless carriage” rumbling down the path – or better yet – a “flying machine” moving through the air seemed fantastical. The traditional horse and buggy quickly became history with the emergence of auto carriages like the single cylinder 1901 Oldsmobile and aircraft such as the 1909 Bleriot Type XI.
Which technologies will win? There is only one way to find out:
Horse/Carriage Vs. 1905 Franklin Type A Roadster: No competition here… silly motorized carriage. We all know where the real “horse power” lies.
Horse/Buggy Vs. 1908 Stanley Steamer: This will be a close race. An automobile that runs on water? Incredible! Can it be the horse and buggy has met its match?
1914 Stutz Bearcat Vs. 1909 Bleriot Type XI Flying Machine: The most incredible race ever! – One of the fastest cars of the time racing against this amazing flying machine.
1930 Sprint Car Vs. 1942 Stearman: Fresh from the 1930 New England race circuit – our driver “Blazing Bob” will go all out to prove a true race machine is faster than any aircraft in a 1/8 mile “nose to prop” race.
From the Race of the Century it is obvious the gas powered motor reins supreme. With fuel shortages quickly approaching will we revert to technologies first used in the early 1900’s?
WHERE: The Race of the Century will be held at the Foundation’s Headquarters: 137 Barton Road, Stow MA. For a detailed map go to: www.collingsfoundation.org/directions.
WHEN: The Race of the Century takes place over the weekend of August 16th and 17th, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Gate fee is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 years and younger.
WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing “living history” events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. In addition to a large collection of vintage automobile and aircraft, the foundation operates the Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, which is in its 19th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24, B-25 and P-51 living history display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.
For further information e-mail Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org
