At the time, auto racing contests were governed by the American Automobile Association. In November 1917, the AAA's contest board announced it would stop sanctioning auto racing events for the duration of the war. It was justified the halt based on the government's need for skilled mechanics and drivers because of the war. It expressed hope that, without the "temptation" of auto racing, up to 1,200 skilled mechanics and drivers would become available for war work. President Wilson applauded the ban, explaining that auto racing was too destructive of materials and gasoline as well.

who are the center of attention in this photo -- to me, they look like brothers. If so, it wouldn't be the last racing family.

I wonder how a modern racer would experience a, say 70 mph, speed on a 1917 machine and track. Worse than today's 140 mph? Oh, and wearing the same outfit as the racer pictured above, no Nomex/Kevlar in those days.

I wonder what these guys would think if they knew how much faster cars and bikes of today would be. Mind boggling I would bet.