MELBOURNE (VIC)
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1904 - SANDOWN PARK RACEWAY
Old Time Photographs of Yesteryear facebook Feature
The Automobile Club of Victoria held what is beleived to be one of the first motor car races in Australia at Sandown Park Raceway Melbourne on the 12th of March 1904, Some 1400 people attended.
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The press at the time reported, upwards of twenty five cars left Alexandra Avenue ("South Yarra" a distance of about 25 kilometres) and proceeded at a leisurely pace via St Kilda, Caulfield, Oakleigh and Springvale, during the afternoon the number of cars swelled to eighty five, while there were more motorcycles as well.
The road was in a terribly dusty state, At the course the conditions were more enjoyable, The three motor contests were watched with interest by the picknickers, the ladies especially evincing much enthusiasm.
The presence of a neat electric car in which were seated 2 ladies, one of whom handled the motor with the skill of an expert, aroused the admiration of the gentlemen and the envy of the ladies, It was indeed a novel sight and will go a long way to removing the impression existing that an automobile is difficult to manage, It may now be confidently stated that Automobilsm has caught on, and it will be found that with such persistance and persevering advocates as women-folk can be when they desire anything, their gentlemen friends will capitulate and procure cars, After the races were over the competitors were rushed by the ladies, all wanted a ride around the course and the drivers had a busy time for an hour or more.
The first race was won by James Cook and the second by Harley Tarrent, The first motorcycle event was won by Charles Mayman while second was Harry James, both riding Beauchamps that were built at Edward Beauchamps Cycle Works in the arcade, Chapel Street Prahran, an inner Melbourne suburb.
Maymen built nine machines before his short life ended after a tyre blew on a machine he was riding at Eaglehawk's Canterbury Park, near Bendigo on Boxing day of 1904.
Editorial: Ian M Stewart |
1904 - Pictures SLV Photos, Ian M Stewart collection
Harley Tarrent in a Argyll winning the 2nd race
James Cooke winning to first race in a Locomobile
Charles Mayman on a 1902 model bike |