In an ongoing effort to provide the most accurate account of Georgia's motorcycle history, this page has been created to host any post-publishing discoveries, additions, and corrections found regarding the content of the book. If you have anything you would like to contribute or bring to the authors attention please feel free to write to chris@georgiamotorcyclehistory.com.
Page IV Correction
It is stated in the book's introduction on page iv that one of the most successful designers of the internal combustion engine was a Parisian by the name of De Dion-Buton. In fact, the De Dion-Buton Company which was formed in Paris, 1883 was comprised of three french men, Count Albert De Dion, George Bouton, and Charles Trépardoux.
NEWLY DISCOVERED PHOTOGRAPHS!
1909 Atlanta Speedway
As it goes, I often stumble across amazing images as I research completely unrelated topics. A few weeks ago I was digging through the Detroit Public Archives in search of more information regarding motorcycle shows in the earliest days of the 1900's. Much to surprise I discovered a large collection of photographs from the opening races at the Atlanta Speedway in 1909.
The Atlanta Speedway was a monstrous 2-mile clay track constructed in 1909 to directly compete with the newly opened Indianapolis Speedway. The track's grand opening was a weeklong celebration showcasing everything automotive and was held in coordination with the Atlanta Auto Show in the fall of 1909. It was at the height of the festivities that five professional motorcycle racers took to the clay-packed track in what were the first professional motorcycle races held in the state. On November 11, 1909 Indian's Robert Stubbs, Gail Joyce, and Richard Gayle lined up against Reading Standard's V. Moss, and Russell Walthour, the brother of international cycling champion and Atlanta native Bobby Walthour aboard his Merkel. These exquisite photographs wonderfully illustrate that historic weekend and provide a glimpse at the massive track facilities. High resolution files and image details will be updated in the coming weeks. More details on the Atlanta Speedway and the first historic races can be found in the book on page 60.
