George Robertson (race car driver)
Encyclopedia
George H. Robertson was one of America's greatest pre-World War I
racing drivers. His father ran one of New York's first big garage and George grew up surrounded by Mors
, Panhard
s and other cars. He raced a Christie, a Hotchkiss, and a Simplex
, as well as a Locomobile with which he won the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup
. This victory was the first in the Cup by an American driver in an American car. This car was the legendary "Old No. 16".
In 1910 he was the captain of the Benz team but was injured while showing a newspaper reporter the course and was forced to retire from driving. In 1921 he served as Duesenberg
's team manager in their victory in the French Grand Prix
. The team featured Americans Jimmy Murphy
and Joe Boyer
with Frenchman Albert Guyot
. He later was the vice president and general manager of Roosevelt Raceway, host to the George Vanderbilt Cup in 1936 and 1937.
In 1951 racing historian Russ Catlin officially revised AAA records with championship results based on all AAA races from 1902–1915 and 1917–1919. This had the effect of changing the 1909 champion from Bert Dingley
to George Robertson.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
racing drivers. His father ran one of New York's first big garage and George grew up surrounded by Mors
Mors (automobile)
The Mors automobile factory was an early French car manufacturer. It was one of the first to take part in automobile racing, beginning in 1897, due to the belief of the company founder, Émile Mors, in racing's technical and promotional benefits...
, Panhard
Panhard
Panhard is currently a French manufacturer of light tactical and military vehicles. Its current incarnation was formed by the acquisition of Panhard by Auverland in 2005. Panhard had been under Citroën ownership, then PSA , for 40 years...
s and other cars. He raced a Christie, a Hotchkiss, and a Simplex
Crane-Simplex
Not to be confused with American SimplexCrane-Simplex is a defunct car manufacturer, operating in New York City, USA at the beginning of the 20th century.-History:...
, as well as a Locomobile with which he won the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup
Vanderbilt Cup
The Vanderbilt Cup was the first major trophy in American auto racing.-History:An international event, it was founded by William Kissam Vanderbilt II in 1904 and first held at a course set out in Nassau County on Long Island, New York. The announcement that the race was to be held caused...
. This victory was the first in the Cup by an American driver in an American car. This car was the legendary "Old No. 16".
In 1910 he was the captain of the Benz team but was injured while showing a newspaper reporter the course and was forced to retire from driving. In 1921 he served as Duesenberg
Duesenberg
Duesenberg was an Auburn, Indiana based American luxury automobile company active in various forms from 1913 to 1937, most famous for its high-quality passenger cars and record-breaking racing cars.-History:...
's team manager in their victory in the French Grand Prix
1921 French Grand Prix
The 1921 French Grand Prix was a Grand Prix motor race held at Le Mans on 25 July 1921.- Classification :-References:...
. The team featured Americans Jimmy Murphy
James Anthony Murphy
James Anthony Murphy was a race car driver who was the American Racing Champion in 1922 and 1924.-Background:...
and Joe Boyer
Joe Boyer
Joe Boyer was a co-winner of the 1924 Indianapolis 500. Boyer was born in Detroit, Michigan.At the 1924 Indianapolis 500, Boyer participated in two different cars during the race. In his original entry , he qualified 4th. On the 109th lap he was relieved. His relief driver went on to race until...
with Frenchman Albert Guyot
Albert Guyot
Albert Guyot was a French racecar driver. He was one of four drivers who entered with Duesenberg the 1921 French Grand Prix, the first in which a US make participated. Jimmy Murphy won with his Duesenberg 183; Guyot finished 6th.-Indy 500 results:...
. He later was the vice president and general manager of Roosevelt Raceway, host to the George Vanderbilt Cup in 1936 and 1937.
In 1951 racing historian Russ Catlin officially revised AAA records with championship results based on all AAA races from 1902–1915 and 1917–1919. This had the effect of changing the 1909 champion from Bert Dingley
Bert Dingley
Bert Dingley was an American racecar driver. He was initially recognized as the first American Championship Car Racing champion in 1909...
to George Robertson.