1908 New York to Paris race driver reached San Francisco by car

The 1908 New York to Paris automobile race was a grueling 22,000-mile endurance contest that pushed early cars to their limits, according to mycountry955.com and k2radio.com. The race covered America, Asia, and Europe before the establishment of the American highway system.

Harold Swinney Brinker, a Denver driver and early American auto racer, played a notable role in the race. He took over driving duties from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Ogden, Utah, and then steered the Thomas Flyer through the deserts and rugged terrain of Nevada and California.

Brinker successfully drove the Thomas Flyer into San Francisco on March 24, 1908, marking a key moment in the race's American leg. His knowledge of the western terrain was an asset during this challenging stretch.

Following the race, Brinker maintained connections to Cheyenne, where he operated an automobile agency and continued racing locally. He also spent time building a custom biplane, showing his continued interest in innovation.

The race helped change public perception of automobiles, demonstrating their potential and future, as noted by the sources.

This story highlights a historic event that directly involved San Francisco as a key destination in the early days of automobile endurance racing.