Jackson Banned - 1909

This article in attachment IMSAAA101209 first appeared in the October 12, 1909 Indianapolis Star and reports on the decision by the contest board of the American Automobile Association (AAA) to ban the Jackson Automobile Company from auto racing until January 1, 1910. The reason for the ruling was Jackson's protest of the AAA decision to cancel the Wheeler-Schebler Trophy race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with their car leading late in the race. The event was held on the third day of the first auto race meet ever held at the Speedway in August 1909.
 
Despite the fact that 235 of the scheduled 300 mile race had been completed AAA officials called the race and ruled it a non-event. The dramatic decision was the result of hazardous racing conditions with a heavily rutted track that had already produced a devestating accident that had claimed the lives of three men including mechanic Claude Kellum and two spectators: Homer Joliff and James West.
 
In rendering their decision the AAA issued a statement citing rule 55, page 14 of their 1909 contest rules citing that Jackson had falsely advertised that it won the Wheeler Schebler Trophy. Speedway Director of Contests Ernie Moross commented on the decision:
 
"This decision is sure to be far reaching in its effect. The fact that the Jackson Automobile Company started its suit for the trophy and advertised its winning before waiting for an answer to its appeal to the contest board, was not a violation of the racing rules of the contest board, but of the Motor Speedway as well, and its signed entry blank agreed to abide by these rules. Furthermore, the Jackson automobile in entering its suit in the courts against the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has not entered the same in compliance with the deed of gift that governs the fiving of the Wheeler-Schebler donation, known as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Trophy."
 
The article makes note that all other trophies associated with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway races had been presented, specifically mentioning the Prest-O-Lite Trophy and the G&J Trophy. Despite continuing to report that the Wheeler-Schebler Trophy would be raced for in an upcoming November meet - even as recently as nine days earlier.
 
The article quotes industry leaders on their views of the issue. Howard Marmon said:
 
"I consider the action of the racing board in accordance with the racing rules by which all contestants should be compelled to abide."
 
Arthur Newby, identified as an officer of the National Motor Vehicle Company, which he was, but he was also first vice president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was also quoted:
 
"In the face of the bare facts of the race I fully expected the decision rendered and think that the contest board was very lenient in limiting the suspension to January 1, 1910."
 
Barney Oldfield was also quoted:
 
"All of the drivers that I have interviewed and that took part in this contest with me agree that Referee Stevens is a fair-minded man, and I am willing to race for the trophy the next time it is up for a contest."