Name/Title
Motorcycle Races, Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Watson PhotoEntry/Object ID
2020.59.1Scope and Content
Framed photograph of motorcycle races with vintage cars and spectators, looking north-eastward along the beachfront, circa 1930's by photographer Watson.Context
The original vintage photograph looks north-eastward along the beachfront at Wasaga Beach. Vehicles and spectators are contained behind a fence that stretches along the beach where motorcycles are racing.
A caption printed on the photo reads"
"WASAGA BEACH, ONT.
WATSON PHOTO"
During the 1930’s, the beachfront was used for motorcycle races. Racers in Europe & US had been using sand beaches for motorcycle races and the British Empire Motorcycle Club found Wasaga Beach to be a perfect Canadian destination for races. The first race was held on the beachfront on October 24, 1935 starting with ¼ mile sprints. A planned 100 mile race was shortened to 60 miles due to inclement weather. 2000 spectators were in attendance. The next year, to avoid adverse weather conditions, the races were moved from Thanksgiving to Victoria Day weekend. Spectators in attendance increased to 10,000 by 1937. The courses ran from the east end of Beach Area 1 west to about 13th street. Bales of hay and snow fence were used to protect the crowds. The Wasaga Beach races were the biggest events in Canada at the time and drew top American riders. The races continued to run on the beach, with some gaps due to participants’ involvement in WWII, until 1949 when new safety regulations coupled with the cost of liability insurance brought an end to motorcycle racing on the beach. Motorcycle races were then held where Edenvale Airport is now located. In 2014, the Town of Wasaga Beach purchased a rare vintage 1935 Rudge Ulster motorcycle that was originally owned and raced along the beach by Bob McCoy in 1937, reaching a speed of 89mph.Acquisition
Accession
2020.59Source or Donor
UnknownAcquisition Method
Gift
