The great Los Angeles-to-Phoenix off-road race (more commonly known as "The Cactus Derby") was another of the terrific classics from the sport's early days. In its 1914 edition, track racing legend and barnstormer Barney Oldfield entered the same Stutz racer he had piloted to fifth place in that year's Indianapolis 500.
Today marks the 105th anniversary of America's first great auto race: The William K. Vanderbilt Jr. International Cup. Commissioned by "Willie K" in 1904 and sanctioned by the American Automobile Association (AAA), the race included some great brands still in existence today, including Mercedes, Fiat, Renault and Michelin.