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| {{NSFL|discussion of fatal motor racing accidents}}
| | #REDIRECT [[IndyCar (partially found footage of IndyCar races featuring fatal and/or serious accidents; 1916-1996)]] |
| {{InfoboxLost
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| |title=<center>1916-1922 Universal Film Trophy Races</center>
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| |image=1916-1922universalfilmtrophyraces1.jpg
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| |imagecaption=The Universal Film Trophy.
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| |status=<span style="color:red;">'''Lost'''</span>
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| }}
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| The '''''1916-1922 Universal Film Trophy Races''''' were an annual series of AAA-sanctioned events that commenced at the Uniontown Speedway in Hopwood, Pennsylvania. The races, whose trophy was sponsored by Universal Films' President Carl Laemmle, were also filmed by Universal and shown in theatres across the United States.
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| ==Background==
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| The Uniontown Speedway was a wooden board track whose construction began following the banning of the Summit Mountain Hill Climbs.<ref>[https://uniontownspeedway.weebly.com/hill-climbs.html ''Union Town Speedway'' detailing the origins of the track.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> Completed in 1916, it would host 23 AAA-sanctioned races between December 2nd, 1916 to June 17th, 1922.<ref name="champ">[http://champcarstats.com/tracks/uniontown.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' listing all Uniontown races sanctioned by AAA, including noting which Universal Film Trophy Races counted towards the AAA Championship.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> Its first event would be the annual Universal Film Trophy Race, so-called because Carl Laemmle, the President of Universal Films, had donated the $3,000 silver trophy to the Speedway, equivalent to over $80,000 when adjusted for inflation.<ref name="origin">[https://firstsuperspeedway.com/photo-gallery/uniontown-trophy ''First Super Speedway'' detailing the origins behind the Universal Film Trophy Race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref>
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| Laemmle, alongside Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, received a telegram regarding the construction of a new board track, with the trio conceptualising the annual Universal Film Trophy Race. Despite Laemmle claiming that a silversmith would be able to produce the trophy before the track was completed, this proved to not be the case, with the track's construction taking just two months.<ref>[https://google.co.uk/books/edition/Vivian_the_Board_Track_Boys/IDsBCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PP6&printsec=frontcover ''Vivian & The Board Track Boys'' detailing the]</ref> As part of the sponsorship, and in an attempt to capitalise on the growing popularity of board track racing, Universal would film all seven Universal Film Trophy races, and showcase them to theatres across the United States.<ref name="films">[https://google.co.uk/books/edition/Pennsylvania_Heritage/3uFKAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Universal+Trophy+races+theatres&dq=Universal+Trophy+races+theatres&printsec=frontcover ''Pennsylvania Heritage'' noting the races were filmed and showcased by Universal Films.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> The track's future was thwarted when then-Uniontown Speedway Association President Charlie Johnson disappeared to Cuba with the track proceeds in 1922.<ref name="origin"/>
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| ==The 1916 Race==
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| The first Union Trophy Race occurred on December 2nd, 1916, thus being the inaugural race at the Uniontown Speedway.<ref name="first">[https://google.co.uk/books/edition/Auto_Racing_in_the_Shadow_of_the_Great_W/dICJDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=P192&printsec=frontcover ''Auto Racing in the Shadow of the Great War'' detailing the 1916 race and the second fatal crash.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="automotive">[https://automotivehistory.org/uniontown-speedway-first-race/ ''Automotive History'' detailing the first race and its fatal accidents.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="champ"/> The event, a non-championship AAA race,<ref name="champ"/> would be won by Louis Chevrolet in a Frontenac, beating out second-place Premier driver Dave Lewis by over two minutes, with Mercedes' Ralph DePalma taking third.<ref name="champ1916">[http://champcarstats.com/races/1916nc3.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the 1916 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="first"/><ref name="automotive"/> The event is known for being one of the deadliest in motor racing history.<ref name="automotive"/> During practice on 27th November, driver Charles Heist and his ride-on mechanic Frank Bush attempted a flying lap at around 60 mph when suddenly their car's front axle broke because of crystallisation.<ref name="heistmem">[http://motorsportmemorial.org/focus.php?db=ct&n=2341 ''Motorsport Memorial'' page for Charles Heist, also detailing what caused Heist and Bush's fatal accident, as well as claiming no spectators died from the second fatal crash.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="heist">[https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1916/11/28/99442544.pdf ''The New York Times'' reporting on the fatal accident that claimed the lives of Heist and Bush.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="automotive"/> The accident caused the deaths of both men, Heist aged 23 and Bush aged 26.<ref>[http://motorsportmemorial.org/focus.php?db=ct&n=2340 ''Motorsport Memorial'' page for Frank Bush.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="heist"/><ref name="heistmem"/><ref name="automotive"/>
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| During the race itself, after 62 laps, Hughey Hughes came across a slowing Pugh driven by Jim Meyer.<ref name="first"/> He had led the first 32 laps, and was in the lead when he was forced to take evasive action, crashing through the guardrail into the infield.<ref name="first"/> He then walked back to the pits, and was present at the press stand being interviewed by a reporter.<ref name="galvin">[https://nytimes.com/1916/12/03/archives/auto-racer-kills-two-at-uniontown-track-frank-galvin-loses-control.html ''The New York Times'' reporting on the 1916 crash that claimed the lives of Hughes, Galvin, Weigel, and two spectators.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="first"/> As he was talking, Frank Galvin approached the scene, but lost control of his Premier at around 100 mph.<ref name="first"/><ref name="galvin"/><ref name="automotive"/> He ended up crashing into the press stand, instantly killing Hughes and Galvin's mechanic Gaston Weigel.<ref name="first"/><ref name="galvin"/><ref name="automotive"/> Additionally, Galvin and several spectators suffered life-threatening injuries.<ref name="first"/><ref name="galvin"/><ref name="automotive"/> Ultimately, Hughes, Weigel, and Galvin all died.<ref name="first"/><ref name="galvin"/><ref name="automotive"/><ref name="heist"/> It is unclear as to the fate of the spectators, as ''Motorsport Memorial'' states all survived, ''Auto Racing Comes of Age'' claims one died, whereas ''Automotive History'' states two perished.<ref>[https://google.co.uk/books/edition/Auto_Racing_Comes_of_Age/S1xFg2-s2w0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA160&printsec=frontcover ''Auto Racing Comes of Age'' stating a spectator was killed in the 1916 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="automotive"/><ref name="heist"/>
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| ==The 1917-1922 Races==
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| The 1917 race, held on 10th May, counted towards the AAA National Championship.<ref name="champ"/> Following the fatal accidents of the previous year, the track underwent some safety modifications, including broadening of the safety apron, making turns higher and wider, and installing heavier guardrails.<ref name="second">[https://google.co.uk/books/edition/Auto_Racing_in_the_Shadow_of_the_Great_W/dICJDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=P209&printsec=frontcover ''Auto Racing in the Shadow of the Great War'' summarising the second race and noting the track's safety changes.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> Occurring in front of over 20,000,<ref name="second"/> It was won by William Taylor in a Stutz-Wisconsin, having completed the race at 1:15:38 89.25.<ref name="champ1917">[http://champcarstats.com/races/191702.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the 1917 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> Joe Boyer finished second in a Frontenac, with Eddie Hearne taking third in a Duesenberg.<ref name="champ1917"/>
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| For the 1918 edition, the main race would exclusively consist of the four winners of the Liberty Sweepstakes Heats, all of which occurred on May 16th.<ref name="third">[https://google.co.uk/books/edition/Auto_Racing_in_the_Shadow_of_the_Great_W/dICJDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA246&printsec=frontcover ''Auto Racing in the Shadow of the Great War'' detailing the Liberty Sweepstakes races that decided the 1918 winner.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="champ"/> The heats were won by the Duesenberg of Tommy Milton, and the Frontenacs of Ralph Mulford, Eddie Hearne, and Chevrolet.<ref name="heat1">[http://champcarstats.com/races/191801.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the first Liberty Sweepstakes Heat.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="heat2">[http://champcarstats.com/races/191802.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the second Liberty Sweepstakes Heat.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="heat3">[http://champcarstats.com/races/191803.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the third Liberty Sweepstakes Heat.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="heat4">[http://champcarstats.com/races/191804.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the fourth Liberty Sweepstakes Heat.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="third"/> In the 24-lap race, Mulford claimed victory by about 16-seconds from Hearne, with Milton taking third.<ref name="final5">[http://champcarstats.com/races/191804.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the main 2018 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> Chevrolet retired after 18 laps following a flat tyre and a failing engine.<ref name="third"/><ref name="final5"/>
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| In 1919, the race, also known as the Victory Sweep, would be held on May 19th.<ref name="champ1919">[http://champcarstats.com/races/191903.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the 1919 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="champ"/> Milton was victorious in a Duesenberg, beating out the Frontenacs of Chevrolet and Mulford by over 20 seconds.<ref name="champ1919"/> The 1920 race, a non-championship event that occurred on 19th June,<ref name="fifth">[https://google.co.uk/books/edition/Auto_Racing_in_the_Shadow_of_the_Great_W/dICJDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA331&printsec=frontcover ''Auto Racing in the Shadow of the Great War'' detailing the fifth race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="champ1920">[http://champcarstats.com/races/192006.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the 1920 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="champ"/> initially was controlled by Monroe drivers Gaston Chevrolet and Roscoe Sarles following the completion of the first 100 laps.<ref name="fifth"/> However, Chevrolet retired following a broken valve spring on lap 118, while Sarles lost ground after being forced to stop for engine adjustments.<ref name="fifth"/><ref name="champ1920"/> The race, held in front of a packed 50,000, was also won by Milton, with him leading a Duesenberg 1-4 also consisting of Jimmy Murphy, Eddie O'Donnell, and I.P. Fetterman.<ref name="champ1920"/> A few incidents occurred during the race.<ref name="fifth"/> This included Wade Morton's Meteor turning over into the infield on lap 180, which caused his mechanic, Arthur Kaempf, to be thrown free into the soil, the impact inflicting bruises and burns.<ref name="fifth"/><ref name="champ1920"/> Milton and Ballot's Ralph DePalma also suffered cuts and sores, because the Uniontown track was breaking up, causing the wood to break free.<ref name="fifth"/> A resurfacing was therefore required for future races.<ref name="fifth"/>
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| The subsequent 1921 race on June 18th would again count towards the AAA Championship,<ref name="champ"/> with Roscoe Sarles leading a Duesenberg 1-3, also consisting of Hearne and Eddie Miller in second and third respectively.<ref name="champ1921">[http://champcarstats.com/races/192113.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the 1921 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="indy">[https://google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Indianapolis_Automobile_Industry/LVNLDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA193&printsec=frontcover ''The Indianapolis Automobile Industry'' summarising the 1921 race and noting Milton was deemed the favourite to win it.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> Despite being deemed the favourite to claim his third consecutive Union Trophy Race win, Milton finished ten laps down in eighth.<ref name="indy"/><ref name="champ1921"/> Finally, the 1922 race occurred on 17th June, with Murphy winning the pole position in a Duesenberg.<ref>[https://autosportworld.info/en/aaa/seasons/1922/universal-trophy/ ''Auto Sport World'' noting Murphy won the pole position for the 1922 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="champ"/> Milton shot into the lead at the early stages, but a wheel came loose on lap 72, resulting in his car crashing into a grandstand guardrail.<ref name="1922nyt">[https://nytimes.com/1919/05/20/archives/miltons-auto-in-front-victor-in-uniontown-race-averages-96-miles-an.html ''The New York Times'' reporting on Murphy winning the 1922 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref><ref name="champ1922">[http://champcarstats.com/races/192213.htm ''ChampCar Stats'' detailing the results of the 1922 race.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> Murphy took over briefly until he was passed by Harry Hartz, the latter leading in a Duesenberg before being re-passed by Murphy on lap 114.<ref name="champ1922"/> He retired after 165 laps following a broken oil line.<ref name="1922nyt"/><ref name="champ1922"/> It therefore enabled Murphy to hold onto the first position for the remaining laps to claim victory, with Mulford taking second in a Frontenac, while Jerry Wonderlich finished third in a Duesenberg.<ref name="1922nyt"/><ref name="champ1922"/> Murphy's average speed of 102.2 mph set a Uniontown Speedway record.<ref name="1922nyt"/>
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| ==Availability==
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| While it is known that Universal Films filmed all seven races, no footage of these events is currently publicly available.<ref>[https://trackforum.org/forum/motorsports/eagle104-s-nostalgia/6577088-trackforum-indycar-season-archive-viewer ''Track Forum'' noting no footage of the races are currently publicly available.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> If they were included as part of Universal's silent film collection, they would have been deliberately destroyed alongside all other silent films Universal held in its vaults in 1948.<ref>[https://theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2013/12/most-americas-silent-films-are-lost-forever/355775/ ''The Atlantic'' noting Universal destroyed its silent film collection in 1948.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref> Nevertheless, various photos of the races have resurfaced.<ref>[https://uniontownspeedway.weebly.com/photos.html ''Uniontown Speedway Board Track'' providing photos of various Uniontown Speedway races.] Retrieved 3rd Jul '22</ref>
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| ==Gallery==
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| ===Images===
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| <gallery mode=packed heights=200px>
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| 1916-1922universalfilmtrophyraces2.jpg|Uniontown Speedway under construction.
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| 1916-1922universalfilmtrophyraces3.jpg|Illustration from the 1916 race program.
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| 1916-1922universalfilmtrophyraces4.jpg|The 1919 race line-up.
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| </gallery>
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| ==See Also==
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| *[[1962 Trenton 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1962)]]
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| *[[1962 Trenton 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1962)]]
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| *[[1963 Trenton 100 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1963)]]
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| *[[1963 Trenton 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1963)]]
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| *[[1964 Golden State 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1964)]]
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| *[[1964 Trenton 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1964)]]
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| *[[1965 Golden State 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1965)]]
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| *[[1965 Jimmy Bryan Memorial (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1965)]]
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| *[[1966 Jimmy Bryan Memorial (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1966)]]
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| *[[1966 Trenton 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1966)]]
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| *[[1967 Trenton 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1967)]]
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| *[[1968 Tony Bettenhausen 100 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1968)]]
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| *[[1968 Trenton 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1968)]]
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| *[[1969 Langhorne 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1969)]]
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| *[[1969 Rex Mays Classic (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1969)]]
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| *[[1969 Trenton 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1969)]]
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| *[[1970 Bobby Ball 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Jimmy Bryan 150 (partially lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Langhorne 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Rex Mays Classic (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Rocky Mountain 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1970 Trenton 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1970)]]
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| *[[1971 Bobby Ball 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Jimmy Bryan 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Marlboro 300 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Michigan 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Rex Mays Classic (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Schaefer 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1971 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1971)]]
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| *[[1972 Best Western Motels 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Indianapolis 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Michigan 200 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Phoenix 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Rex Mays Classic (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Tony Bettenhausen 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Trenton Times 300 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1972 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1972)]]
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| *[[1973 Schaefer 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1973)]]
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| *[[1973 Texas 200 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1973)]]
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| *[[1974 California 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1974)]]
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| *[[1974 Phoenix 150 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1974)]]
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| *[[1974 Schaefer 500 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1974)]]
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| *[[1974 Trentonian 200 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1974)]]
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| *[[1975 Bricklin 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1975)]]
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| *[[1975 Michigan 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1975)]]
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| *[[1975 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1975)]]
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| *[[1976 Indianapolis 500 (partially found footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Jimmy Bryan 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Michigan 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Schaefer 500 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Trenton Times Auto Classic (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1976 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1976)]]
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| *[[1977 American Parts 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Jimmy Bryan 150 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Michigan Grand Prix (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Rex Mays Classic (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Schaefer 500 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Texas Grand Prix (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1977 Trentonian 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1977)]]
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| *[[1978 Coors 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1978)]]
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| *[[1978 Daily Express Indy Silverstone (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1978)]]
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| *[[1978 Daily Mail Indy Trophy (partially found CBS and BBC One footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1978)]]
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| *[[1978 Norton Twin 200 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1978)]]
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| *[[1979 Arizona Republic / Jimmy Bryan 150 (partially found footage of SCCA/CART IndyCar Series race; 1979)]]
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| *[[1979 California 500 (lost footage of SCCA/CART IndyCar Series race; existence unconfirmed; 1979)]]
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| *[[1979 Gould Grand Prix (lost footage of SCCA/CART IndyCar Series race; 1979)]]
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| *[[1980 Miller High Life 150 (partially found footage of CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1980)]]
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| *[[1980 Norton Twin 200 (lost footage of CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1980)]]
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| *[[1980 Primera Copa Mexico 150 (lost footage of CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1980)]]
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| *[[1980 Tony Bettenhausen 200 (lost footage of CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1980)]]
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| *[[1981 Kraco Car Stereo 150 (lost CART PPG IndyCar World Series race; 1981)]]
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| *[[1981 Pocono 500 (lost footage of USAC Championship Car Season race; 1981)]]
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| *[[1996 Las Vegas 500K (partially lost footage of IRL Season race; 1996)]]
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| *[[Dan Wheldon (partially lost on-board footage of fatal IndyCar crash; 2011)]]
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| *[[Indianapolis 500 WFBM-TV Broadcasts (lost racing footage; 1949-1950)]]
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| *[[Indianapolis 500 MCA closed-circuit broadcasts (partially lost racing footage; 1964-1970)]]
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| ==References==
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| {{reflist}}
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| [[Category:Lost films]]
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| [[Category:Lost recordings of real incidents]]
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| [[Category:Completely lost media]]
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| [[Category:Historic]]
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