I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!!

WOW.. you never know what you can find on You Tube, this historic record of motorcycle racing blew me away.

Mr. Frantisek Marik, an Indian Dealer in the Czech Republic, came to the United States to attend the 1920 races in Daytona (although some have pointed out it might not actually be Daytona). Mr. Marik was also pretty darn good with a film camera and recorded this account of the race.  As you will see when you watch the film he recorded more than just this particular board track race event but this is the only one to survive.

Now, just what blew me away about the film:

1) The quality of the film was just better than what you normally expect from that period.

2) I have seen other board track videos but the SIZE and scope of this WOOD track was unexpected.

3) That they could race 10 -12 across if they wanted was very cool.

4) That Mr. Marik filmed from all angles including from cars and sidecars.

5) That they raced sidecar rigs as well as regular bikes on this track.

6) The sidecar guys were racing 7 across at times.

7) The amateur and sidecar races were 10 miles long and the professional race was 100.

8) How high the banking in the turns was.

9) 212 KMPH = 132 MPH

 I got excited just watching this old film.  As I have stated before I think this type of motorcycle racing might do well in modern America (pavement not wood) over road racing.  I can just see 30 bikes racing at some of the NACAR short tracks.

 All in all this is 10 minutes well spent if you have any interest in motorcycles history!