Denver Motor Speedway Association Racing Trophy Won by William Thorney Driving a Ford, 1910

01

Artifact Overview

In 1910, city boosters opened the Denver Motor Speedway to host events in the growing sport of auto racing. Races attracted thousands of spectators to the 3 1/4-mile dirt oval track in the speedway's opening months. Sponsors awarded prize money and trophies to victorious drivers. The thrill did not last long, however; the speedway closed in 1911.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Trophy (Object)

Date Made

1910

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2004.0.9.8

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Silver (Metal)
Sterling silver

Technique

Engraving (Action)
Metalworking

Dimensions

Height: 10.75 in
Width: 7 in
Length: 10 in

Inscriptions

Engraved on obverse: FIRST PRIZE / 10 MILE RACE. / GIVEN BY / DENVER MOTOR SPEEDWAY ASSOCIATION / OCT-15-1910 / WON BY / MODEL T FORD / WON BY / WM THORNEY / TIME-13-MIN-35 SEC Bottom: STERLING / 1218C / 925 / 100 / FINE