In the early 1900's, America was hungry for a new form of entertainment.
Motorcycles were becoming increasingly popular, not only as a means of transportation, but for social interaction as well.
Taking a cue from the French who raced bicycles on a wooden track called a Velodrome, the Motordrome was built and board track racing was born.
A motordrome was a huge oval or circle track constructed from a wooden frame and topped with rough cut 2 X 2 or 2 X 4 wooden planks.
They had high, steep banks.
Even though the rough cut lumber provided "grip", it made crashing even more dangerous.
Oil spills were also a danger factor.
The motorcycles were not much different than a bicycle.
Although they were capable of speeds over 100 m.p.h., they didn't have brakes!
By the 1920's, motordromes were at their peak, popping up in many major cities.
They provided high speed entertainment to all types of willing spectators.
This was not an aspect for the faint at heart.
Over the next few years, board track racing was fading from popularity. After several fatalities of racers, & even some unlucky spectators, the motordromes were being referred to as 'murderdromes'.
By the late 1930', they had all but disappeared.
The fearless men who raced on the board tracks will forever hold a place in history and will be remembered as the true pioneers of motorcycle racing.
Sonny Farmer
