We’re back with more historic photos from Ormond, Beach Florida and the land speed racing that took place there before racers discovered the Bonneville Salt Flats. All of the photos you see here were taken more and 100 years ago and all were snapped before 1910. The equipment you’ll see people driving is amazing.
From Stanley Steamers to Simplex and Christie, the legions of long dead car manufacturers are well represented here. These behemoths were chain driven, they were about as advanced as farm tractors, and their drivers were some of the bravest men to ever sit between four wheels. Lots of guys got maimed and hurt back then. Whipping chains, failing axles, and tire failures were very common. Any one of those things happened and chances were low that you were going to survive.
The one thing that really cracked us up was the first photo that shows the Michelin Tires tent. Is this racing’s first hospitality area? Maybe the engineers gathered in there to analyze tires between runs. Either way, it shows how professional these people were and how serious their quest for speed was.
These images are amazing. From horses dragging a stuck car out of the muck to Barney Oldfield being swarmed by spectators, we love every one.
Scroll down to see the photos – Some really amazing stuff from Ormond Beach
