Cobe Trophy

Called the "Western Vanderbilt" the initial Ira Cobe Trophy Race was run on a 23.27-mile road course completing a circuit between Crown Point and Lowell Indiana on June 19, 1909. It was commissioned by Ira Cobe, who founded the Chicago Automobile Club. Low attendance and the brutal punishment inflicted by the under-developed roadways contributed to the decision to move the contest for this classic trophy to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1910.

Chevrolet a Winner in Ira Cobe Trophy Race

This content was originally published in the June 19, 1909 edition of the The Lake County Times in Chicago area. The articles provide terrific coverage of the Ira Cobe Trophy. Dubbed the "Vanderbilt of the West" by the press, the trophy was commissioned by Ira Cobe, president of Chicago Automobile Association. The American Automobile Association (AAA) was founded in Chicago in 1902.
Cobe Trophy to Indianapolis Motor Speedway - 1910

The first Ira Cobe Trophy ran in Crown Point, Indiana in June 1909. The event was not well attended and the course was judged to be a mess. Cobe moved his trophy to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 1910.
Excellent Coverage of Cobe Trophy

This is terrific coverage of the Ira Cobe Trophy from June 19, 1909. Dubbed the "Vanderbilt of the West" by the press, the trophy was commissioned by Ira Cobe, president of Chicago Automobile Association. The American Automobile Association (AAA) was founded in Chicago in 1902. Like many early American road races, this event was more akin to an off-road contest by today's standards. It was held on a 23.27-mile course of rugged terrain charted in and around the area of Crown Point, IN.