[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13587]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE CORONA ROAD RACE ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2013

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary 
of the Corona Road Race. On September 14, 2013, the race will celebrate 
its centennial. The Corona Road Race has a rich and colorful past, 
which has contributed to the diversity and history of our county and to 
auto racing at-large.
  Designed by civil engineer H. Clay Kellogg, Grand Boulevard, the road 
set as the centerpiece in the city of Corona, provided the perfect 
circular shape and venue for the first Corona Road Race. Spanning three 
miles, the track was set up for a variety of races including the 102 
mile ``Light Car Race,'' the 251 mile ``Heavy Car Race,'' and the 301 
mile ``Free-For-All Race.'' With the right setting and prizes totaling 
over $10,000, racing legends including Earl Cooper, Teddy Tetzlaff, 
Barney Oldfield, Eddie Rickenbacker, and Bob Burman flocked to Corona 
for a chance to make history. On September 9, 1913, the first ever 
Corona Road Race was held, hosting thousands of fans and drivers from 
throughout the world.
  With stiff competition and an impressive lineup, the ``Free for All'' 
proved the most exciting race, with $5,000 up for grabs, and a chance 
at an additional $1,000 should the winner break the world record. 
Amidst cheering fans, Earl Cooper sped to victory and claimed the title 
as first winner of the Corona Road Race.
  Due to the success of the 1913 Road Race, organizers quickly began 
planning for a second race to take place the following year. Bigger 
than ever, the Race returned on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1914. 
With new safety measures, an even bigger pot of $12,000, and a five 
foot fence, which gave the track its distinguishable look, the Corona 
Road Race took new form. News and wire services covered the day from 
start to finish, broadcasting to cities all over the United States, 
making the race an event for the whole family and nation. Once again 
hosting the best in international auto racing and loyal fans, the 
Corona Road Race was met with more success than ever. Crowds roared as 
Eddie Pullen took his last lap and finished first.
  Due to a shift in race season, from fall to spring, the third annual 
Corona Road Race was delayed until 1916. On the day of the race, April 
8, the city of Corona experienced record-breaking heat waves. While 
twelve cars entered the race, only five completed it. With numerous 
overheating vehicles and several tire blowouts, disaster was imminent. 
As racer Bob Burman rounded the 97th lap, his car plunged into 
onlooking spectators, killing him and two members of his crew. Though a 
beloved event rich with history, the tragic incident of the 1916 Corona 
Road Race, lack of financial success, and complaints from neighbors led 
to the end of the race and a tradition the city of Corona and the 
nation had grown to love.
  Today, a monument indicating the start and finish line of the Road 
Race remains at the cross of Grand Boulevard and Washburn in Corona, a 
constant reminder of the glory days of the Corona Road Race. Though 
tragic events led to its demise, the Corona Road Race was an important 
element in launching Corona to national recognition, and furthering the 
sport of auto racing. I am honored to represent Corona and its rich 
history in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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