100 Mile at Seattle

The photo above was taken on Labor Day, September 6, 1911 at Madison Park, Seattle, Washington, and clearly indicates the interest taken in motorcycle races in the Queen City of the Coast. The day was ideal, the track was perfect and the large crowd which overflowed the grandstands and lined the track for half a lap was orderly, good-natured and enthusiastic. This picture was taken during the 100 mile race and shows the thirteen riders who started on the long grind, eleven of whom finished. Archie Taft captured this race in the fast time of 2:01:24 , thereby establishing a new State record for the distance on a two-lap dirt track. Excelsior won eight out of nine races at the meet on Labor Day including the 100 mile race in which stock Excelsior singles finished 1st , 2nd and 4th against a special open port racing 4 Indian and twin fives on a half mile dirt track.