Part 4/13:
Racing and the Birth of the Vanderbilt Motorsport Legacy
William’s obsession with velocity extended to competitive racing. In 1904, he broke the land speed record at Daytona Beach, reaching 92.3 miles per hour in a Mercedes car—an astonishing feat at the time. His desire to elevate American auto racing led him to establish the Vanderbilt Cup in 1904, the nation’s first major international automobile race. Hosted on Long Island’s roads, the event aimed to showcase American engineering and foster national pride.
Initially dominated by European cars, the Vanderbilt Cup eventually saw an American victory in 1908. William’s dedication made him a pioneer in U.S. motorsports, blending his love of speed with his desire to enhance America’s standing in automobile innovation.