Gaining Momentum

“Wild Bill” Moore (10), and Gordon Chard (16) race into turn one at Lakewood Speedway in an event on July 12, 1937. Photos originally appared in Life Magazine

As racing grew to more and more prominence in the 1920s, sanctioning bodies jockeyed with each other to hold events at Lakewood, which was quickly becoming known as one of the finest one mile tracks in the country.

Both the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) raced there, with an annual event being held on July 4.

This is the scene moments after the photo to the left was taken. Both drivers were injured, but survived.

Among the types of cars to race at Lakewood in the 1920s and 30s were the Indy cars, which annually visited the fast, treacherous speedway.

By the mid 30s, all types of racing could be seen at Lakewood, including champ cars, midgets, motorcycles, modifieds, and the type of racing the track was originally designed for, horse races. There were even boat races held in the lake.

But in 1938, a type of racing came to Lakewood that would help define not only the track, but also a style of racing that would rival cotton as king of the south.