Des Moines NewsJune 7, 1916
TWO DUSENBERGS FIRST TO ENTER
Two Des Moines-made automobile racers are the first to be entered in the big automobile racing meet to be held on the Des Moines speedway's wooden track June 26. They are the Dusenberg entries, and F.M. Dusenberg, head of the Dusenberg racing team, has nominated Walter D'Alene, the youngster who suddenly sprang into prominence by capturing second place from a field of star pilots at the Indianapolis speedway on Decoration day, for one of the cars. Milton who has been with the Dusenberg team for some time will drive the other.
Another entry announced by the speedway management is Billy Chandler who narrowly escaped death in a tumble during the first 300-mile race last year. Chandler's car overturned shortly after Joe Cooper vaulted to his death over the embankment wall and Chandler's mechanician was killed. Chandler hovered between life and death at the hospital, but finally recovered and resumed racing.
Chandler Will Be Here.
And moreover, Chandler is coming back with the intention of copping the 150-mile classic which will be the feature event of Des Moines' 1916 automobile racing season. He isn't one whit "skeered" as a result of last year's accident and he so informed A.H. Blank, president of the Des Moines Speedway association in Chicago several days ago.
Des Moines and Iowa automobile racing enthusiasts will have an opportunity of witnessing a galaxy that will surpass the squad of pilots that competed last year. Samuel Orloff, secretary of the speedway association, is today in Chicago conferring with officials of the American Automobile association, Official Starter Fred Wagner and racing drivers entered in Chicago's big meet Saturday, regarding the Des Moines racing program. He is after Dario Resta, Earl Cooper, Eddie Rickenbacher, Eddie O'Donnell and others.
To Settle Old Scores.
Ralph DePalma and Ralph Mulford may have another chance of settling old scores on the local track if Orloff's plans succeed. He is making a strong bid for both drivers. DePalma and Mulford were both favorites last year and were the central figures in the controversy over the winner of the big event. DePalma was first checked as the victor, but later the prize was awarded to Mulford after a conference of officials. The controversy caused intense rivalry between the two drivers and this feeling will only add to the interest in the meet.
A meeting of the officials of the speedway association will be held in the near future to discuss final arrangements for the races. A 50-mile race will be held in addition to the 150-mile event.