Ocean to Ocean Automobile Endurance Contest

[1] The route was surveyed in advance by a designated pioneer car, a Thomas Flyer that had won the 1908 New York to Paris Race.

[1] In the publicity before the race began, Henry Ford predicted that it would "give Americans an opportunity to appreciate the vast possibilities of the motor car".

[3] At the beginning of the race, commentators observed that the two light weight Model Ts seemed like "pygmies" compared to their heavier and more powerful competitors.

In addition, the Ford Motor Company already had established dealers across the country who were prepared to offer prompt and professional repair services.

Ford's strongest competitor, a more powerful Shawmut, lacked access to dealerships after the race cars left New York.

The Ford team reported running out of gas, fires, getting lost, axle deep mud, and quicksand.

1909 Ford Model T Ocean-to-Ocean race winner
The 1909 Model T Ford race winner on display at the California Automobile Museum
The pace car that established the official route was a Thomas Flyer , the winner of the 1908 New York to Paris Race
Henry Ford widely publicized his victory
A 1909 Ford advertisement in the Saturday Evening Post promoted the race performance of the Model T.
In foreground, the Shawmut that won the Ocean to Ocean Automobile Endurance Contest. The Ford No. 2 car is behind it.