Dead Horse Hill Climb

Driver Harry Grant and his riding mechanic Frank Lee pose in their 1909 Alco (American Locomotive Company) racer at Worcester, Massachusetts' Dead Horse Hill Climb. The photo was taken during the June 4, 1910 meet where Grant finished second in the free-for-all or open class. Grant and his Alco were at the peak of their powers when this photo was taken. The previous autumn he had won the prestigious Vanderbilt Cup and was destined to repeat in October 1910.
 
Grant also drove the Alco in the first Indianapolis 500 but by that time the car was showing its age and retired early with engine failure. Grant continued racing until he lost his life in a firey accident in practice for the October 9, 1915 Astor Cup, the opening race at Sheepshead Bay Speedway in New York. The ALCO still exists today and has returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for ceremonial events.