William Vanderbilt

William Kissam Vanderbilt II (born 26th October 1878 in New York City; died 8th January 1944 in New York City) was a American racing driver and race organiser.

The wealthy heir to the Vanderbilt fortune, "Willie" used his wealth on adventurous pursuits such as yachting and motorsports. Able to buy and race whatever cars took his fancy, it was with a Mors as opposed to his usual Mercedes that he entered the 1902 Circuit des Ardennes race, which was later recognised as the inaugural Grand Prix. However, his legacy would be the founding of the Vanderbilt Cup race on Long Island in 1904, which would become the longest-running race motorsports. Considered by CARS to be a Grand Prix race until 1916, it was also the inaugural race of the AAA Championship. Vanderbilt also funded the construction of the Long Island Motor Parkway circuit used between 1908 and 1935.

Grand Prix Racing
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