West Side Racetrack

Wichita, Kansas – Saturday – October 4, 1919

 

Races promoted by – J. Alex Sloan of Chicago, Illinois and George Huff Doward of Delaware, Ohio

Races Sanctioned by – International Motor Contest Association (IMCA)

 “Rain in the morning and a light drizzle in the afternoon made the racetrack lightning fast”

“A large crowd attended”

Time Trials – 2 Laps

 

 

 

First Heat Race

Best Two Out of Three Match Race – 4 Laps

Although Horey managed to win this race, he limped to the finish with a broken rear axle.

 

 

 

Free-For-All – 10 Laps

Ryan’s car blew a rear tire and did a “motor shimmied” on the racetrack before the driver could get his mount back under control. 

 

 

 

Second Heat Race

Best Two Out of Three Match Race – 4 Laps

Horey could not get his car’s broken rear axle repaired in time to compete in this race. 

 

 

 

Light Car Race – 6 Laps

 

 

 

Handicap Race – 6 Laps

Soules started last in this race but gave Allen a close run for the win.

 

 

 

Third Heat Race

Best Two Out of Three Match Race – 4 Laps

Horey could not get his car’s broken rear axle repaired in time to compete in this race.  Haugdahl was declared the winner of the three heat races.  For that feat, he received $1,000 and a gold metal proclaiming him “Dirt Track Champion of the World”.

 

 

 

Wheat Show Sweepstakes – 6 Cars – 20 Laps

            Soules led early before and was soon challenged by Toft.  Haugdahl started last in this race and utilized a high groove to take the lead on the eighteenth lap.  Toft brushed against the outside fence around the racetrack on the back straightaway on the final lap of the race and limped to the finish but he was out of the “big money” by then.  A purse of $2,000 was divided among the first three finishers.

 

 

 

 

* One source gave his name as “Verne Soules”.

 

** Leslie “Bugs” Allen (1892-1946) of Chicago, Illinois competed in the Indianapolis “500” in 1930.

 

*** One source claims this was Denny Hickey who competed in the Indianapolis “500” in 1919.  Another source gives his name as “Eddie Hickey”.

 

**** Clifford George “Cliff” Craft (1884-1924) was fatally injured in a racing accident at Ascot Speedway near Los Angeles, California.

 

 

 

 

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