Loading cart contents...
Board Track Racing: Thrills & spills
Board track motorcycle racing was a thrilling and popular motorsport in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. Here’s an overview of its history:
Origins:
Board track racing emerged in the early 1900s, primarily in the United States. The idea originated from bicycle velodromes, which were circular tracks built with steeply banked wooden surfaces to facilitate high-speed racing. As motorcycles gained popularity and became faster, enthusiasts adapted these velodromes for motorcycle racing, resulting in the birth of board track racing.
Racing Bikes:
The motorcycles used in board track racing were purpose-built for speed and agility. They were typically powered by large-displacement V-twin engines, often produced by manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, and Cyclone. These machines featured minimalistic designs, with no brakes, gears, or even clutches in some cases. Riders controlled speed primarily by adjusting the throttle or, in some instances, by cutting off the ignition.
The Motor Drome:
Board track racing took place on specially built oval tracks known as motor dromes. These tracks were constructed from wooden planks, typically 2x4s, hence the term “board track.” The tracks were steeply banked, sometimes up to 45 degrees or more, to allow motorcycles to maintain high speeds while cornering. The banking also added to the spectacle, as riders would race perilously close to the top edge of the track.
Board track racing was notoriously perilous for both competitors and spectators. The high speeds reached on the wooden tracks, combined with the lack of effective brakes and safety equipment on the motorcycles, meant that crashes could be catastrophic. Moreover, the wooden planks used to construct the tracks were prone to splintering upon impact, creating additional hazards for riders and spectators alike.
Due to the frequency of accidents and the sometimes fatal consequences, board track racing acquired a reputation for being extremely dangerous. The term “murderdrome” emerged as a grim acknowledgment of the risks associated with the sport. Despite its thrilling and popular nature, board track racing was ultimately unsustainable, in part due to concerns over safety, and the decline of the sport contributed to the fading of the nickname “murderdrome” over time.
Rise in Popularity:
Board track racing quickly gained popularity in the early 20th century, drawing large crowds to witness the thrilling spectacle of high-speed motorcycle racing. The sport flourished particularly in the 1910s and 1920s, with races held at venues across the United States, including cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Indianapolis.
Decline and End:
Despite its popularity, board track racing faced numerous challenges. The tracks were dangerous, with high speeds and minimal safety precautions leading to frequent accidents. Spectator safety was also a concern, as wooden debris from crashes sometimes flew into the stands. Additionally, the Great Depression of the 1930s dealt a severe blow to the sport’s financial viability. As a result, many tracks closed, and interest in board track racing waned.
Legacy:
While board track racing eventually faded into obscurity, it remains a significant chapter in the history of motorsport. Its influence can still be seen in modern forms of motorcycle racing, and the daring spirit of those early riders continues to inspire enthusiasts to this day. Although the original board tracks are long gone, their legacy lives on in the memories of those who witnessed the thrilling races of yesteryear.
Archive Moto:
This article was documented thanks to many website but especially the Youtube Channel: Archive moto. You can find great documentaries on their channel. Among them, 3 concerning the story of Board Tracking:
You can also watch Harley and The Davidsons serie. Here is a trailer but you can find the 3 episodes on youtube as well.
