Thunder at Sunrise: A History of the Vanderbilt Cup, the Grand Prize And the Indianapolis 500, 1904-1916 [Hardcover]

John M. Burns (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2006

On a bright October morning in 1904, thousands of people flocked to Nassau County on rural Long Island to witness the first international motor sports competition in America: the newly created Vanderbilt Cup. By 1906, the number of spectators multiplied to a quarter million and America s place in motor racing history was assured. In 1908, the Vanderbilt Cup was joined by a second international competition, the International Grand Prize, the first grand prix held outside France. By 1913, the Indianapolis 500 would supplant the Vanderbilt Cup and Grand Prize as America's preeminent race, forever turning mainstream America's attention away from road racing and toward the oval tracks then proliferating around the country. Concentrating on the years between 1904 and 1916 and featuring a wealth of photographs, this book examines the early and relatively unknown history of American motor racing. Beginning with an overview of motor racing history, it covers the French origins of the sport and the first international competitions such as the annual Gordon Bennett Cup and the ill-fated Paris to Madrid race. The primary focus is on America's first three races of international stature: the Vanderbilt Cup, the International Grand Prize and the Indianapolis 500. Compiled in great part from contemporary sources such as newspaper accounts and automotive journals, the book covers not only these races, but also the ways in which each spurred development of the American automobile industry, making it at last a true competitor for that of Europe.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Retired lawyer John M. Burns is a freelance writer who lives in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 279 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (November 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786424745
• ISBN-13: 978-0786424740
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,561,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Indiana

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For auto racing, auto, and history buffs, February 12, 2007

By 

Opera & Novel Lover (Carbondale, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thunder at Sunrise: A History of the Vanderbilt Cup, the Grand Prize And the Indianapolis 500, 1904-1916 (Hardcover)

A great read! My interest in history led to my reading this recommended book. Not only does the author write the history, but also he connects this history to events in the U.S. and abroad. A great deal of technical information is included for those who have this interest.

And how refreshing to read a book that is truly well-written. This author knows language and how to use it effectively. I also enjoyed his use of pictures (reprints of photos) to enhance the text.

I'm now buying it as a gift for others. That's the highest rating I can give a book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, March 18, 2007

By 

J. Gangloff (Upstate New york) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thunder at Sunrise: A History of the Vanderbilt Cup, the Grand Prize And the Indianapolis 500, 1904-1916 (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book. The author writes about the early Vanderbilt Cups, the Savannah races and early Indy 500's. It is lively and easy to read. All parts fit together well and the author also discusses current events around the world that happened during the times of the races. I'be been reading books about automobile racing for over 40 years and this was one of my favorites. I hope Mr. Burns has more books in the pipeline.