Dive into the thrilling yet perilous world of Board Track Moto Racing, a sport that captivated America in the early 20th century but quickly faded into obscurity due to its extreme dangers. In this video, we explore the fascinating history of Board Track Racing, focusing on the infamous stadium built in St. Louis in 1912. Known for its steepest and fastest track in the U.S. Some arenas saw riders zooming at speeds over 90 miles per hour with spectators sitting perilously close on both the inside and outside of the track, with no fences or safety nets to protect them.

We recount the tragic events of the stadium's opening day, where a motorcyclist's fatal crash shocked the crowd and set the tone for the sport's hazardous reputation. Across the country, similar stories unfolded, with crashes frequently resulting in severe injuries or deaths for both riders and spectators. In the 1920s, the St. Louis stadium was destroyed, and Board Track Racing was largely abandoned in the area.

Join us as we delve into why this oncethrilling sport disappeared from America's racing scene, examining the factors that led to its decline and the legacy it left behind. ‪@fpclassroom‬

#history #sportshistory #motorcycle #motorcycleracing