Race of the Century August 18th and 19th
Stow, MA
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
An extraordinary event that pits some of the greatest technological advancements in air and ground transportation against each other in a series of races!
Exhibits and displays throughout the event. The entire Collings Foundation collection will be open for viewing.
Races start around 1:00 PM. Want to join the races or exhibit? We are looking for additional machines and mobile contraptions from the early 1900’s. To join the races you must be able to operate on close-cut grass. Early motorcycles, bicycles, horseless carriages and more – all welcome. Must be able to participate on both Saturday and Sunday. To submit your entries send brief description to: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org
Entire Facility Open Daily: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost at Gate: $15 Adults / $10 Children
This is a public event. No reservations are needed.
Horses, Hybrids, electric cars, vehicles powered by water, flying machines, all poised to solve the transportation issues of the day. Well this phenomenon is not new! To highlight the significance of engineering advancements, the Collings Foundation will host an extraordinary event that pits some of the greatest mobility based technological advancements against each other in Race of the Century.
During the early 1900’s the first auto carriages were invented. The thought of a “horseless carriage” rumbling down the path - or better yet - a “flying machine” moving through the air seemed amazing. The traditional horse and buggy quickly became history with the emergence of auto carriages like the 1905 Franklin and aircraft such as the 1909 Bleriot Type XI.
Which technologies will win?
There is only one way to find out:
(Line up of events subject to change)
1867 CONCORD STAGE COACH
- Fast, dependable and no match for that silly motorized carriage...and a good source of fertilizer year round!
VS.
1904 FRANKLIN TYPE A ROADSTER The finest auto-carriage ever! The horse has finally met it's match. With a top speed over 30 mph the horses will be winded in no time!
HORSE AND CART
Time to get serious and win this race. Our driving champion will leave the competition looking at the wrong end of our magnificent steed.
VS.
1906 STANLEY STEAMER
The most incredible advancement in automotive technology - a car that runs on water! Once the Stanley heats up - there's no competition.
1914 STUTZ BEARCAT
Amazing event! One of the fastest cars of all time - racing against this astounding flying machine.
VS.
1909 BLERIOT TYPE XI Flying Machine.
From the famous Louis Bleriot - first to cross the English Channel in an aircraft. No matter how "fancy" you can get with a "Gentleman's Automobile" - Flying is the way of the future! -
1937 OFFY SPRINT CAR Straight from the 1937 New England race circuit. Incredibly fast sprint car. - Going to tear up the grass with this one! Certainly faster than the Stearman.
VS.
PT-17 STEARMAN BI-PLANE
An amazing 1/2-mile race. The Stearman has to take off, make a full turn and beat the Sprint car back to the finish line. No doubt, this will be a fantastic race!
Pre Event Party
~ Meet the CF Staff - get a personal tour! Get a ride in some of the wonderful machines that will be participating in the Race. We will be hosting a pre-event party Friday August 17th, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Appetizers and cocktails. $50 per person. Call for reservations. Proceeds will go to the Collings Foundation’s educational programs.
Automobiles: Entire Collings Foundation collection of automobiles and race cars will be on display- see list for details.
Aircraft: See an amazing collection of aircraft from the early 1900's up to the Korean War Era. - see list for details.
Collings Foundation Gift Shop: You will find an excellent variety of clothing, caps, books, DVD's and more available for purchase.
Additional displays and exhibits: See an amazing exhibition and display of carriages, carts and horses from the Massachusetts Carriage and Driving Society. In a fantastic display of early farm equipment - The Peerless Steam tractor will be operating "full steam". See a great exhibition from the Wheelmen with their antique bicycle and high wheelers.
Airplane Rides - Limited Availability. Flights will be scheduled before and after the races. It is recommended you reserve your flight sooner than later. PT-17 Stearman $200 for 20-minutes. AT-6 Texan $390 for 30-minutes. Call 978-562-9182 for reservations.
Food and beverages will be available.
DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO FIND
THE COLLINGS FOUNDATION: The Collings Foundation is located at 137 Barton Road in Stow, MA near Lake Boon - Please see the directions to the location at this link.
