GRIT - The history of board track racing....... and more

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Outside of the USA, Board Track Racing isn't really celebrated, yet at its peak, some attendances were higher than those enjoyed by the Indy 500.

Age of Glory "Bikes 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.

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"

Fatalities were a regular occurrence, and not just for the riders, giving the tracks the name "Murderdrome".

Killed off by the Great Depression - the tracks had a limited lifespan as there were no preservatives to keep the wood usable.

"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" 

GRIT - The history of Boardtrack Racing.


Wecome to the Murderdrome - A brief history of Board Track Racing.
















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