Howdy Express at Cactus Derby

This interesting photo is from the 1914 Los Angeles-to-Phoenix off-road race, aka the "Cactus Derby." Affluent business executives called themselves "Howdy Rowdies" rode in a train that paralleled much of the course. They gambled, drank, smoked cigars and generally had a good time. Barney Oldfield won this race in a hard-fought contest that earned him a gold medal with the inscription, "Master Driver of the World." Second-place finisher Louis Nikrent is seen here at the finish. The train, called the "Howdy Express" can be seen lining the track in the background.