Pre Speedway Motorcycle Racing

I started this page, in the hope that with your help, we can go back to an era before the Aussies brought speedway to the UK in1928.  To be eligible for this page an item has only to pre date 1928.  Items can include oval racing of course but also any type of sand, dirt and tarmac racing from the UK.  So please get behind this and let me have your comments and photos.  Maybe in time this page will explode a few myths surrounding the origins of Speedway Racing.

Ashtown (Dublin) 1902

Courtesy George Kearns

George says this was a cinder track.

Boardracing

Early 1920's USA: This was maybe More Nascar for bikes than speedway but these bikes were lightened by stripping away all components that weren't necessary including lights, brakes and gearboxes.  The machines bore a resemblance to the Dirt Track bikes in use a few years later.

More USA Board Racing. A close look at the handlebars reveals that the bars used later by Dirt Track Harley's and Indians handlebars were identical to those shown above.

Courtesy of Steve Magro.  Check out Steve's website Steve Magro
1921 Harley

I think it is quite likely that Speedway actually started in the USA before it got underway in Oz.  What are your views John

Here is a programme from 1924. Johnnie Hoskins gave the programme to Reg Fearman a long time ago

Courtesy of Reg Fearman

The programme shows bicycle and motorcycle racing.  The early days of Australian speedway

Sandracing

Sand Racing at Southport

This book (now out of print) features sand racing at Saltburn & Redcar on Teesside.  The book spans the period 1905 - 1965.  The rider on the cover is Freddie Dixon, the picture was taken in 1921.

Harry Whitfield on the beech at Saltburn in 1926.

Dirt/Grass Racing

USA 1920. at Dodge City

Maldwyn Jones, Fred Ludlow, Ralph Hepburn, Jim Davis, Ray Weishaar, OttoWalker, Walter Higley
Maldwyn Jones is said by some to have been the first to master the art of broadsiding, if so then he must have had a massive advantage over his rivals.
If the date I have is correct (1920) then this stakes an USA claim as inventors of the sport.

Roadracing (and TT)

Do you have any comments/photos to share email me John