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thought we intended to run him down and frantically threw overboard his ballast which caused his balloon to rise to a considerable altitude and thereby win the race.

Pickens came to Toledo with another world record outfit. At the time we were building our first airship. He had with him two of the "World's Greatest Speed Demons", Barney Oldfield with his Green Dragon racing car and Web Jay with the Winton Bullet. Great crowds gathered to witness this nerve racking and breath taking auto [[strikethrough]] race [[/strikethrough]] contest. Both men had been groomed for the event. The grandstand was filled to overflowing and thousands were standing to witness this great contest. Both of the motors made a deafening racket as they lined up at the start. Bill stood out on the track with a pistol in his hand to give them the starting signal. Just as everybody expected the start to be made, Bill walked over to Barney's car and told a mechanic to remove the spark plugs and to take his time, not to hurry. Web kept his motor barking away just to keep the audience excited. Finally, everything was ready and the pistol went off with a bang! Someone yelled, "They're off!" Away they started in a cloud of dust, skidding around the turns. After going the advertised distance, Barney came in by a nose ahead of Web, amid great cheering and throwing of hats. The "Great Contest" had been won by "America's Greatest Speed Demon", Barney Oldfield.

On checking the time it was found that another world's record had been shattered. Barney's time had averaged a little over forty two miles per hour. Everybody was thrilled and satisfied. It was a great race. William Hickman Pickens I regard as America's most unique, tireless and successful promoter. He managed to make a success of everything he started and always made money for himself, which of course is the first essential of a successful promotor.