The 1909 Race Henry Ford Cheated to Win - Eric Moskowitz on "The Hardest, Longest Race"

Discover the wild true story of the 1909 transcontinental auto race! Author Eric Moskowitz reveals how Henry Ford cheated to win The Hardest, Longest Race.Episode Resources:"The Hardest, Longest Race" by Eric MoskowitzUniversity of Washington’s Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition CollectionHistorical Overview of the 1909 Transcontinental Automobile RaceIn 1909, a grueling transcontinental automobile race from New York to Seattle pitted an underdog car maker against a ruthless Henry Ford—and ended in one of the biggest cover-ups in automotive history. In this episode of Books and Looks, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eric Moskowitz joins the show to unpack the wild true story behind his new book, *The Hardest, Longest Race*. Tune in to discover a hidden chapter of early 20th-century America and learn how cutthroat tactics, rather than superior engineering, helped build the world's most famous car brand.As the early American automobile industry was just finding its footing, this 4,106-mile ocean-to-ocean race forced drivers to battle treacherous "gumbo mud," navigate a roadless country, and rely on explosive acetylene gas headlights. Moskowitz breaks down the bizarre cast of entrants, including a con artist driver, an inventor peddling airless tires, and Ford’s tactical saboteur who literally deployed armed guards at bridges to block competitors. While Henry Ford publicly claimed victory for the Model T to skyrocket his company's success, you will have to listen to find out exactly how the obscure Shawmut Motor Company exposed the secret mechanical cheating scandal that nearly changed everything.If you love uncovering the hidden rivalries and forgotten scandals of American history, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a five-star review!