The 71th edition of Daytona Bike Week just got started. Many races are going to be run on different tracks, but not on the beach like it was for the prestigious Daytona 200 from its inception in 1937 until the early 60’s. In 1948, LIFE magazine reported on this high speed , high risk and many crashes race.
These pictures, some not published at the time, were shot by photographer Joseph Scherschel and perfectly illustrate the Daytona madness of this time. 155 helmeted daredevils participated to the 1948 Daytona 200 high octane race, with only 45 finishing. Floyd Emde (inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998) claimed victory, averaging 84 mph and receiving a prize money of $2000. 1948 was the first time a rider led the race from flag to flag and it was the last time an Indian Motorcycle won the Daytona 200.
Great shots. ..Z
They should bring that back, looks like a lot of fun!
Imagine if it would be re-created. Best motorcycle race/show on earth!
Way too cool.
A friend of mine — John Long — still owns the BSA that his father rode in that race in ’48.
John raced the 200 many times at the track with a best finish of 2nd place, and now his son Barrett Long #29 will be racing the 200 next week — he finished 6th in ’09.
Love those style bikes!
WOW !! Terrific pics ….any way to purchase copies ?? Thanks .
Back to the Beach!
great pics
Emde’s winning bike, a Big Base Scout is at auction this weekend, J Wood Auction Company sale near Daytona Beach. The last Indian to win the 200……
M
It proves that Don came by his racing skill pretty honestly…. even though the whle time he was racing you could have also accused him of being somebody’s accountant! What a cool memory to have your Dad heralded as Floyd is here for his great contribution to Dayton Beach Speedweek.
BlubStrada
Those were the days……
Grew up with Don and working for Floyd. He was very proud of what he had accomplished but never flaunted it. It was very sad to loose him. I wish I could have been there to watch but with all the stories I have heard it is almost like I was there. Great family!
Nice to see, was Eddie Kretz racing for Indian in that race ?He rode a Indian TT Warrior 500cc verticle twin in 1950?
Thank you for the great ariticle and photos Cyril – Awesome!
How refreshing – racers racing for the Love of racing, not to become a super star, but because they love it. So cool to hear the stories and like “Uncle Joe” mentions – Great Family.
THIS is what made Daytona Bike Week, not a fashion show, which reminds me, I need to get my bedazzled zoot suit out of the cleaners.
Who is that ridin’ Rollie Free style on the #161 bike?!