Saturday 4th July 1914

The Sioux City Speedway, Iowa staged its inaugural race, the 300-mile ‘Fourth of July Classic’. The race began at eleven in the morning. Those in attendance went wild as the starting flag was dropped. Clouds of exhaust filled the air. As the race progressed many drivers had to quit because their cars had mechanical failures. Oldfield’s racecar was one of seven that failed to complete the race because of mechanical problems. The victory instead went to Eddie Rickenbacker in a Duesenberg with Eddie O’Donnell as his riding mechanic. He finished the race in just under four hours with an average speed of 78.6 miles per hour. After his victory in Sioux City, he had risen to fifth in the National Championship point standings. He was pleased with his win and said Sioux City’s track was the best in the country.