Barney Oldfield and the Ford "999"

This image was taken in the early summer of 1903 when Barney Oldfield was on a tear crossing the eastern half of the United States setting speed records with this Cooper-Ford "999" racer. Oldfield and the "999" made each other famous. By using the Henry Ford designed "999" to defeat the internationally famous race driver and automobile manufacturer Alexander Winton, Oldfield was thrust into national prominence. He began touring the country, gunning to become the first man to cover a mile track in less than 60 seconds. A "mile a minute" was the mantra of the day as many people wondered if it was even possible. Oldfield forever etched his name in auto racing history when he busted through the barrier at the Indiana State Fairgrounds one-mile dirt horse track oval on June 20, 1903.