Letter from Henry Ford Concerning Auto Racing, 1902

Less than three months after defeating Alexander Winton, Henry Ford was anxious to stay in the forefront of American racing. In this letter, he explains to his brother-in-law, Milton Bryant, the potential for big money and advertising in match races and his desire to run a race against Henri Fournier, one of the world's fastest drivers at the time. Ford's interest in racing, however, soon put him at odds with the investors of the Henry Ford Company, Ford's second automobile company. Before the end of 1902, Henry was bought out of the company (which changed its name to Cadillac under the guidance of Henry Leland) and on his way to forming Ford Motor Company in June 1903.