The Ludlow Lagoon Motordrome Tragedy Of 1913

Ten Spectators Killed In Horrific Racing Accident

Sign promotes race that killed ten. (Ky Post)

“Catch him, catch him,” cried Mrs. Odin Johnson from the crowd as her husband raced around the track on his motorcycle, determined to break the speed record at the Ludlow Lagoon Motordrome.

The sold out crowd roared, as did the cycles, as they raced faster and faster around the half-mile track.

High atop a trestle overlooking the motordrome, railroad switchman Charles Davis was hard at work. He squinted, trying to catch a glimpse of his wife and son, who were spectators at the race that day.

Suddenly, he saw a huge fireball erupt near the stands. Davis quickly left his post, running towards the motordrome as dozens upon dozens of racing fans fled in the opposite direction, screaming in agony. Some were burned badly, others were in hysterics after witnessing the fire.

Davis fought through the crowd, stopping in his tracks at the entrance gate, as he met his badly burned wife carrying the lifeless body of his son, Charles Davis Jr.

His son was gone.

It happened in an instant.