Age of Diesel: Joe Wolters and the Birth of Harley-Davidson Racing Dominance
On September 12th, 1915, at Chicago’s 2-mile-long board track at Speedway Park, a local hero, Joe Wolters, took to the track aboard a fresh, rivet-tank Harley-Davidson 11k. This day marked a pivotal moment in the early history of American motorcycle racing, showcasing the grit and determination of a racer who refused to be sidelined by injury and the rise of a brand that would soon dominate the world of motorcycling—Harley-Davidson.
Joe Wolters, a native of Chicago, was among the first racers in the country to proudly don the jersey of the newly established Harley-Davidson factory team. In 1915, the debut season of Harley’s factory racing program, the brand was already making waves, and Wolters was one of the standout competitors. Despite nursing an injured left foot for weeks and relying on two walking canes to get around, Joe wasn’t about to miss the 300-mile race in his hometown.
Known as a fierce competitor and a local favorite, Wolters entered the race as a heavy favorite to win. His speed during the preliminary time trials was nothing short of impressive, averaging 92 mph, which further fueled the crowd’s excitement. Riding with relentless determination, Joe took to the track with a fiery passion that embodied the spirit of early American racing.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans that day. On the 17th lap, Wolters lost one of his Goodyear Blue Streak tires, causing his Harley to throw its chain and twist its frame. Reluctantly, Wolters was forced to retire from the race, his hopes of victory dashed. However, his teammates Ray Weishaar and Bill Brier stepped up, both finishing on the podium in 3rd and 4th place, respectively.
Wolters’ former Excelsior teammate, Carl Goudy, claimed the victory, completing the 150-lap race with a time of 3:29.51, while Indian’s Teddy Carroll took 2nd place. Though Joe Wolters didn’t stand atop the podium that day, his fierce determination, racing prowess, and loyalty to the Harley-Davidson brand solidified his legacy as a racing pioneer.
This moment in history captures the early rise of Harley-Davidson, a company that would go on to become one of the most beloved motorcycle brands in the world. The race at Speedway Park, held on one of the largest wooden speedways ever constructed, marked the beginning of Harley’s journey to racing dominance, and the spirit of racers like Joe Wolters would become part of the company’s enduring legacy.
A shot of Joe Wolters aboard his Harley-Davidson 11k, battling against the odds on that day in Chicago, stands as a testament to the toughness and resolve of early American racers, and the birth of an American icon.
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