In 1956 entries soared to over 350. Famed band leader Paul Whitman was honorary starter, although Jesse Coleman was now in his second year as starter at Cumberland. Class G production was still dominated by the now near classic MG TD’s, TC’s, and TF’s. The Briggs Cunningham’s team was again present---this time with four D-type Jaguars.
One of the most distant entries ever at Cumberland, John Edgar of Sherman Oaks, California, took delivery of a new Ferrari two days before the race. The car was brought by special truck from New York. The driver of this car, Jack McAfee (also a Californian), had already won the 1956 race at Pebble Beach.
Walt Hansgen beat McAfee in the feature at an average of 68mph. McAfee’s new Ferrari had broken down during practice so he was driving a Porsche 550. With the same car he won E and F modified race, and was second in the B, C, and D modified race.
There were a few Corvettes entered, but the Cumberland races had still not seen an American winner.
