Solved: Wendax 1529 - 1903 Mercedes at Daytona Beach

ropat53 · March 24, 2015, 10:28:14 PM

1903 Mercedes owned by William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. at Daytona Beach.

4popoid · March 25, 2015, 01:10:37 AM

I think you have the right event ropat (Ormond-Daytona, January 30, 1904), but Gerd says he had never heard of the mystery driver, and I think that he would certainly know "Willy K.". There were several Mercedes cars at this meet. This car looks smaller, so I'll try: James C. Breeze on his 40 horse power Mercedes racer.

Edit: I have just discovered that Breeze (Breese?) was not entered in the 50 mile event, so I'll try: H. L. Bowden with his Mercedes 60 hp (he took second to Willy K).

Wendax · March 25, 2015, 05:52:14 PM

You have the right venue, it is the 1903 Daytona Beach race. I still have a different name for the pictured driver.

Paul Jaray · March 25, 2015, 05:58:00 PM

Osborn Bright?

Wendax · March 25, 2015, 06:13:25 PM

No

Paul Jaray · March 25, 2015, 06:21:31 PM

Samuel B.Stevens?
btw, we are looking for a Mercedes that raced at the 1903 event, (26th-28th March) Ormond Beach, Daytona, FL?

Wendax · March 25, 2015, 06:32:59 PM

I just have the photo caption which says that it is a Mercedes 1903 at Daytona Beach driven by xxx. I'M quite sure that it is the same event where ropat's picture is from. If you can prove me wrong, you are welcome.

Paul Jaray · March 25, 2015, 06:43:51 PM

E.H.Fredericks?

4popoid · March 26, 2015, 02:03:31 AM

Let me recap. So far, I believe we have ruled out:
Vanderbilt
Breeze (Breese?)
Bowden
Bright
Stevens
with Fredericks still to be determined.

All of the names of the Mercedes owner participants I believe have been mentioned, however some owners occasionally used drivers in certain events. I have a reference that says that Bowden used his "lightweight" chauffeur to drive his Mercedes in at least one event. The driver in the puzzle picture looks as if he could be "lightweight". So is the name you are looking for: Charles Basle.

Wendax · March 26, 2015, 03:40:47 AM

Neither Fredericks nor Basle.

The puzzle picture with its description can still be found online.

ropat53 · March 26, 2015, 10:02:19 AM

Harry Harkness

Wendax · March 26, 2015, 10:08:01 AM

No

4popoid · March 27, 2015, 02:15:13 AM

J. I. Blair, or his driver M. W. Ehrlich?

Wendax · March 27, 2015, 03:28:21 AM

No

4popoid · March 27, 2015, 04:51:37 AM

Paul Sartori?

Wendax · March 27, 2015, 06:56:01 AM

No

nicanary · March 27, 2015, 07:19:13 AM

"To be nominated"?

Wendax · March 27, 2015, 07:45:49 AM

I'm beginning to have sincere doubts about the correctness of my source, I hope they didn't take the photographer's name as the driver's.

4popoid · March 27, 2015, 11:55:24 AM

F. A. La Roche, or his driver ?. Neuman?

Wendax · March 27, 2015, 12:36:01 PM

No

4popoid · March 27, 2015, 12:58:28 PM

Bernard M. Shanley?

Wendax · March 27, 2015, 01:11:57 PM

No

4popoid · March 27, 2015, 01:27:35 PM

William Wallace?

Wendax · March 27, 2015, 02:32:08 PM

No

4popoid · March 27, 2015, 02:43:22 PM

L. Mooers, or his driver J. Tracy?

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Solved: Wendax 1529 - 1903 Mercedes at Daytona Beach