Board Track Racing
In the early 20th century, motorcycle board track racing captivated audiences across the U.S for a brief but unforgettable period of time.
The Thrilling History of Motorcycle Board Track Racing
Motorcycle board track racing is one of the most exhilarating and dangerous motorsports to emerge during the early 20th century. Known for its high-speed thrills and daring riders, this motorsport captivated audiences across the United States for a brief but unforgettable period of time. Known for its high-speed thrills and daring riders, this motorsport captivated audiences across the United States for a brief but unforgettable period of time.
What Was Motorcycle Board Track Racing?
Motorcycle board track racing involved oval-shaped tracks constructed entirely of wooden planks. The idea of constructing these out of wood was to keep costs down. Riders competed on powerful motorcycles, often at speeds exceeding 100 mph, with minimal safety precautions. These tracks, nicknamed “motordromes,” became synonymous with high-stakes action, roaring engines, and a touch of danger.
The Origins of Motorcycle Board Track Racing
Board track racing emerged in the early 1900s, inspired by the success of bicycle velodromes. The first motorized board track event took place in 1910 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The combination of steeply banked wooden tracks and powerful motorcycles created an adrenaline-fueled spectacle that quickly gained popularity.
The Golden Era (1910–1930)
During its peak, motorcycle board track racing drew massive crowds and some of the most skilled riders of the time.
- Tracks: Motordromes were constructed across the U.S., with cities like Chicago, Newark, and Los Angeles hosting prominent races. Some tracks traveled like a circus to different cities. Tracks ranged in size from 1/4-mile to 2 miles in length and were typically made of pine or spruce.
- Motorcycles: Manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Excelsior dominated the scene, designing stripped-down, high-performance bikes specifically for racing. These motorcycles featured single-speed transmissions and no brakes, making them both lightweight and very fast.
Riders: Known as “daredevils,” riders risked life and limb in pursuit of glory. Names like Ray Weishaar, Kimmy Murphy, Tom Milton, Shrimp Burns, and Gene Walker became legendary in the racing community.
The Appeal and the Danger
The unique combination of high speeds, steep banking, and roaring engines made board track racing a thrilling spectator sport. However, it was also notoriously dangerous. The lack of safety measures, both for riders and audiences, often led to fatal accidents. The wooden tracks were prone to splintering, and the absence of barriers sometimes resulted in bikes and debris flying into the crowd. An infamous incident occurred in Newark, NJ when a racer slid off the track into spectators, leaving the racer and four spectators dead.
The Decline of Board Track Racing
By the late 1920s, the popularity of motorcycle board track racing began to wane. Several factors contributed to its decline:
- Safety Concerns: Frequent accidents and fatalities have tarnished the sport’s reputation.
- Cost of Maintenance: Wooden tracks required constant repairs and were expensive to maintain.
- The Great Depression: Economic hardships made it difficult for organizers to sustain the sport.
The last significant board track race occurred in the early 1930s, marking the end of an era.
Legacy of Motorcycle Board Track Racing
Although its time was short-lived, board track racing left an indelible mark on motorsport history:
- Technological Innovation: Board track racing pushed manufacturers to design faster, more reliable motorcycles, many of which influenced modern designs.
- Cultural Impact: The sport epitomized the daring spirit of early motorcycling and inspired the development of other motorsports.
Preservation Efforts: Today, board track racing lives on in vintage motorcycle shows, museums, and documentaries, preserving its thrilling legacy.
Why Board Track Racing Still Matters
Motorcycle board track racing represents a bygone era of motorsports—one where speed and risk went hand in hand. For motorcycle enthusiasts, it serves as a reminder of the sport’s raw and daring origins, inspiring a deep appreciation for the evolution of motorcycling.