Prepare to Win - May 1910

The attachment below contains an article which orginally appeared in the May 27, 1910 Indianapolis Sun. The article previews the first day of racing at the May 1910 race meet at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These contests were part of the May 1910 weekend that included "national championships," a newly-announced distinction by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for select race meets. Car manufacturers were keen to make a great showing.
 
Frankly, this article is a bit light. It asserts that auto racing was a complex business and compares it to yacht racing, saying that attention to detail may not be as necessary with the water craft. Based on the observations made in other articles of the time, my guess is the author of this piece spent some time with the Buick team and its manager, Dr. Wadsworth Warren, who impressed with team organization. Buick is specifically mentioned (referred to as the "Buick Roadsters" racing team) in the excerpt below:
 
"...all sorts of queer shaped trunks, boxes, chests and case containing extra prts, supplies, wardrobes and equipment that experience has taught the team are necessary. Here are some odd looking cases that must weigh nearly a half ton each. They are something like a lady's huge wardrobe chset, but armed with heavy iron handles and huge ball bearing casters. When the four of those are set up on end in the repair tent at the race meet they furnish in themselves a complete factory stock room and supply practically everything needed on a car from a cotter pin to a steering wheel."
 
Another interesting point discussed is the importance of tires. Here again is a powerful excerpt from the article:
 
"...the tires of a racing car are something to create valvular heart disease in the breast of your true economist. Economy can't even get a back seat in the field bleachers when tires are under consideration, for either a road race or a long track race. Two or three hours in a hotly driven race, and if through some bit of unusual luck a tire lasts six hours someone must send a congratulatory wire to the manuracturer. For tires have not been made which can withstand the track friction and consistent beating that a long track entails. 'Burning up the miles' is an expression you often hear, but an entirely incorrect statement. To be correct, it should be, 'burning up the tires."
 
The care and nurturing of the men on the team is also discussed. The discussion diverges from the race at hand though, the Memorial Day Weekend races at IMS and initiates a discussion of the recent 24-Hour "grinder" at Brighton Beach. Apparently temperatures dipped to something less than comfortable overnight. Among the precautions for both drivers, riding mechanics and crew were: eye wash, hot food, and a warm cot.