Old Orchard Beach Races

A postcard from the Old Orchard 10 Mile Race July 5, 1912. Car number 5 is Joe Nikrent in a Case. Car number 17 is Howard Plimton in a SPO.

The winner of the 10 mile race, Joe Nikrent in his number 5 Case. Photo courtesy of Old Orchard Beach.

The great conflagration of August 15, 1907 destroyed many hotels, houses and businesses, and it put a damper on tourism. The town of Old Orchard in Maine needed something to bring back the large crowds of people that once came to Old Orchard Beach. An answer was found in auto racing. Proclaimed as the "fastest auto-course in the world," the first auto races at Old Orchard Beach were held on Labor Day weekend, September 4-6, 1911. Crowds of 50,000 people came to town for a day of auto racing.

During 1911 and 1912 races were held on the hard packed beach at Old Orchard, Maine.

Old Orchard 10 Mile Race July 5, 1912

The course on the 400 foot wide beach was a five mile loop. The start and finish line was in front of the grandstand, at the foot of Old Orchard Street. One loop would make a five-mile race. The July race of 1912 was won by Joe Nikrent in the number 5 Case with a time of 10 minuted and 28 seconds for slightly less than 60 mph. Joe raced in the Class C division (non stock) 231-300 cubic inch displacement class.

Cars Attending:
Joe Nikrent's Case
Howard Plimpton's SPO

Old Orchard 5 Mile Race September 4-6, 1911

Proclaimed as the "fastest auto-course in the world," the first auto races at Old Orchard Beach were held on Labor Day weekend, September 4-6, 1911. Crowds of 50,000 people came to town for a day of auto racing.