It was the second edition of the Automobile Club of America's American Grand Prize.

After a successful race in 1908, the Automobile Club of America made plans with the rival American Automobile Association to hold the Grand Prize and Vanderbilt Cup together on the Long Island Motor Parkway in 1909.

After the 1910 Vanderbilt Cup saw the deaths of 2 riding mechanics and several serious spectator injuries, the Grand Prize was cancelled once again.

A last-minute request by the Savannah Automobile Club saved the race for the year, but only gave one month to prepare the course.

He resumed, but front axle damage later sent him into a cartwheel at speed, ending his race.