Bøger af Ted Ellis

There are instantly recognized names in the racing world. Isle of Mann, le Mans, Indianapolis, Ulster, Daytona... One name which is not so recognizable is Frederick. It's an event with a past that will surprise most of those who thought they knew the history of motorcycle racing. It's a race that has quietly gone on, decade after decade with little notice. This race began in 1921, distinguished from others by being promoted by the same people for generations and being sanctioned from that date till the present. Notably, this annual race, 100-years in age, takes place each year on American Independence Day. The Fritchie runs on the fourth of July, just as the very first documented motorcycle to race in Frederick did, in 1900. Flat Track racing originated in America on the many county and state fairground tracks located in hundreds of cities across the continent. A uniquely North American sport celebrated here annually on the equally unique American Independence Day. The Barbara Fritchie Classic is an unsung verse in racing history. A race whose significance and the true depth of its history, was never fully realized until now. The more than 380 illustrations are a major part of the story. Countless contributor's personal photos, vintage ads, posters, programs and period news reports bring the story to life. The names of those involved and how they connected to racing. The memories of past riders. Not simply "Who, What, When and Where" but as much as he has been able to, Ted Ellis has tried to explain "Why." To bring The Fritchie to life, from the first race to the most recent.

This book is about a specific place, but the story is universal. The lessons to be learned could apply to any city in America. Motorcycles were indicative of the technology and manufacturing revolution taking place which enabled the machine's own development. The speed with which improvements came and the enormous advances made in a short period of time, can only be compared to that of the computer revolution a century later. The connections between motorcycles, people, and the industrial and economic evolution of the 20th century holds lessons worth learning regardless of one's interest in motorcycles.This little book will acquaint the reader to people and events which may not be familiar. As well as mentioning some that might be surprisingly familiar. With over 190 illustrations, most from private collections, and many never seen publicly, there is sure to be something of interest. There is much more to be told. Much more to be learned. Much, much more that will never be known. This is a peek behind the curtain before what's still there disappears forever.