Mystery Friday Foto #5 Solved; The Motordrome Racetrack in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
Did you identify this unusual racetrack in Brooklyn?
Identify;
- The track
The Motordrome
- Location
Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn
- Year
1912
- Vehicles used on the track
Early Indian and Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Congrats to David Miller and Steve Lucas for identifying the Manhattan Beach Motordrome. Kudos to Steve Lucas for his wonderful supporting photos.
Greg O.
Between Coney Island, Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach, there were numerous race tracks of various types. The Motordrome closest to Manhattan Beach was a perfectly circular board track featuring daredevil motorcycle riders on the extremely banked board track.
Motordrome board tracks were usually circular and not oval like the Coney Island Velodrome and were the 'latest in racing' from approximately 1910 through the 1920's.
The Manhattan Beach Motordrome preceded the 2-mile Sheepshead Bay track that opened in 1915 and ran through 1919.
The entire Manhattan Beach track seen here in this photo.
The extreme 63-degree banking required for such races is displayed here at a St. Louis board track in 1914. Note the protective fencing at the top of the track.
Dangerous to say the least, Motordrome board track racing had seen its fair share of accidents.
Comments
Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.NY a two mile board oval that ran from 1915 to 1919. The AAA ran the with Champ Cars.
This is the Motordrome in Manhattan beach Coney Island. 1912 picture. Motorcycle racing on a board track with banked curves.
That’s the Motordrome in Coney Island with Manhattan Beach in the distance. It was built in 1911. I believe this photo is from 1912. It was used for motorcycle races and stunt driving. The first attached photo shows a vintage Indian Scout that was probably used at the track. The second photo is probably the entrance to the motordrome. I think I see Al Velocci on one of the bikes. Anybody recognize anyone else.
Not sure of this but here goes:
Bay Ridge Oval (Graham Field)
86th Street and 15th Avenue
1936
Motorcyles
Steve,
Steve,
Yes, that’s me wearing the cap. Had to quit the race that day after one lap with stomach trouble. (No guts).