Sweepstakes, fact vs. fiction, 1901

[Rob]

Most of us have read or heard of Henry Ford’s first racer, “Sweepstakes,” and how beating Alexander Winton’s racer put the “Ford” name on the map. As with much of early Ford history, I was skeptical, and while preparing for a few future articles (to appear in a magazine near you ) decided to look into period newspapers and magazines to find out how big a win it really was.

Initially, one thing became noticeable, the headline from that day wasn’t Ford’s victory over Winton, but Winton setting a new world’s record. Below are headlines that appeared around the country the day after the race:

Sooooooo, what was the significance of Ford’s victory? It almost never received the lead headline, and was seldom mentioned in the follow on sub headlines. Was the racer even called “Sweepstakes” during or after the race? Did it actually put “Henry Ford on the map,” or was this just more after the fact historical “hype?”

Then, I found this article that appeared on the front page of the home town newspaper, “The Detroit Free Press.” It’s lenghty, but gives quite a flowery and wordy description of the race. There are a few other interesting tidbits throughout the story and I’ll point out a few things as the “story” progresses.

This is how Detroiters read about “the Race” in October, 1901:

The text isn’t overly clear, so I transcribed to the best of my ability on the right side. The first column begins describing one of the race horses at the track stables, and how he perceived the new inventions that were invading his track:

Below, we learn that Henry Ford won the “Big Race.” At the bottom of the second page and beginning of the third, another “Ford” is listed in a smaller car race. Was this one of the “Detroit Automobile Company” machines?

Next, details of “the race.”

[KeithG]

Rob, Great story and research. We're all sitting on the edge of our seats watching the screen & waiting for "the rest of the story"! Please don't keep us in suspense too long.....

Thanks & best wishes,

Keith

[Rob]

Thanks Kieth, continuing on.

About a third of the way down this page is the headline “Cooper’s Last Appearance,” referring to Tom Cooper. As we know now, it wouldn’t be Cooper’s last appearance on a track. He would consign Henry Ford to build two great racers that would beat the world, one with Barney Oldfield at the tiller. But that’s another story for another time.

Below, the article mentions “Ford’s backers.” These were the investors who bankrolled “The Detroit Automobile Company” and later “Henry Ford Company,” later to be renamed “Cadillac.” My guess is the other Ford car mentioned earlier was one of the twenty or so built by the Detroit Automobile Co..

The author goes on to write “ They were heartily congratulated upon the success of the new motor car, which has been named Sweepstakes.”

Next; what became of Sweepstakes?

[Rob]

Winton will return to Grosse Point track and set more records in November of 1901. Henry Ford is present as an official timer, but for an unknown reason doesn’t run “Sweepstakes.” In mid November, Ford issues the world speed record holder Henri Fournier this challenge:

At the end of 1901, Winton and Fournier hold a large share of American automobile speed records. And, Henry Ford appears in on the record list, his competition record ten mile win over Winton in October:

In later March 1902, Henry Ford sells his racer to W. C. Rands. Rands will later be well known as an automobile accessory manufacturer:

By June 1902, we learn Henry Ford and Tom Cooper have teamed to build two racers:

The stage is now set for two of the most prolific racers every built, 999 and Arrow.


To answer one of my earlier questions, yes Sweepstakes was important and did propel Henry Ford into the local and national limelight, for a short time. Ford must have known that although his two cylinder mid body racer was fast, the future of racing was in a front engine four cylinder racer. Soon, his world beaters would begin grabbing headlines around the country and internationally.