Name/Title
Motorcycle Riders Prepare to Race - 1936Entry/Object ID
2020.438.1Scope and Content
Black and white photo of motorcycles and racers lined up to raceContext
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.
The picture shows a group of motorcycles and riders at the start line ready to race on the beach in 1936.
A handwritten note on the back of the picture reads:
"Wasaga Beach 1936
Kaye Don Trophy Race Start
#6 Tony Biller (Riller?) - Non Race
#13 Mr. Fell (33 11-50 Brough 1100cc)
Ridden to and from Wasaga and raced on this occasion.
A. Johnson (?)"Acquisition
Accession
2020.438Source or Donor
UnknownAcquisition Method
GiftDimensions
Height
20 inWidth
23-1/2 in
