Early versions of motorcycle chariot races included riders on the motorcycles themselves, simply pulling along the chariot which features a rider dressed in finery befitting the Roman Empire. However, the sport since grew in popularity and the amount of motorcycles pulling the chariot grew as well: four motorcycles appearing to be the pinnacle. The first records of the sport indicate that only one motorcycle was being used, often carrying a chariot constructed from large wine barrels. It’s not quite clear where the sport began: Australia, New Zealand, America, and parts of Europe all claim to have been founders, however an article from the United States in 1922 is the first real record about motorcycle chariot racing.

The sport of motorcycle chariot racing caught on during the 1920s and reached their peak in the 1930s. 'I'd be keen to get on a bike and have a ride around the track.Mirrored after ancient Roman chariot races (the kind that tripped horses and sent men flying into the path of oncoming hooves as in Ben Hur), motorcycle chariot races followed the same principle, and the same level of danger and thrill. When we wanted to stop, we just had to coast around the track until they stopped,' he said.Īndrews, who will attend the 75th anniversary of speedway in Palmerston North this weekend is hoping it won't just be as a spectator. that was the end of our chariot racing.'Īndrews said it was difficult controlling the two bikes around the cinder track 'We had reins from the throttle back to us in the chariot and and when we wanted to turn a particular way, we opened up one of them by pulling on the rein. Controlled by reins from the throttle to the charioteers, things didn’t go as planned 'Unfortunately we didn't have brakes on them and when Laurie's bike headed to the wall, he couldn't control it.

In 1935, Andrews and Laurie Burns turned up with Harley Davidson 794 motorcycles, welded together to form a chariot. Andrews has a special place as he is the lone survivor of one of the strangest – and shortest lived at one meeting – events at the venue. As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of speedway at Palmerston North, one of the guests will be Maurice Andrews.

Motorcycle chariot races