In preparation for use as a race course, pedestrian bridges were built over the road (as well as one large enough to accommodate horses), several grandstands were erected, and nine telegraph stations were in place to relay news to the spectators.
The day before, the Indiana Trophy Race was held for smaller cars (those with engines of less than 300 cubic inch displacement).
Five drivers competed in both races (including Cobe Trophy winner Louis Chevrolet).
Ultimately, the course was a commercial disappointment, as spectators chose to watch from the miles of open countryside, and bring their own picnics, rather than pay for the grandstands and concessions offered by the promoters.
"Crowds Expected At Cobe Trophy;" New York Times; April 4, 1909. https://web.archive.org/web/20111226011449/http://www.motorsport.com/stats/champ/byyear.asp?Y=1909 http://www.champcarstats.com/year/1909.htm