Ormond Beach in Volusia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Beach Racers

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 9, 2019

1. Beach Racers Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On March 28, 1903, Ormond Beach was
the site of a thrilling one-mile race
between pioneer auto builders. The Hotel
Ormond Challenge Cup pitted Alexander
Winton’s red Bullet against Ransom E. Old's
Pirate, driven by engineer H.T. Thomas.
Winton and his heavier Bullet barely won—
the recorded time 75 seconds, or 48 m.p.h.
Another winner was Ormond Beach, soon famous
for its sand racecourse and world speed marks.

Erected by Motor Racing Heritage Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is March 28, 1903.

Location. 29° 17.542′ N, 81° 2.38′ W. Marker is in Ormond Beach, Florida, in Volusia County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Ocean Shore Boulevard (State Road A1A) and East Granada Boulevard (State Road 40), on the right when traveling north. Marker located within Birthplace Of Speed Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach FL 32176, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Birthplace Of Speed (within shouting distance of this marker); Ormond Beach’s Longest Held Land Speed Record (within shouting distance of this marker); Glenn Hammond Curtiss (within shouting distance of this marker); Ormond Fire House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ormond Garage (approx. 0.3 miles away); Emmons Cottage c. 1885 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Veterans of the Korean War (approx. 0.4 miles away); Veterans of the Vietnam War (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ormond Beach.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 9, 2019

2. Beach Racers Marker

Winton and the Bullet image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

3. Winton and the Bullet

H.T. Thomas driving the Pirate in 1903 image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

4. H.T. Thomas driving the Pirate in 1903

Measured Mile image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Racing’s North Turn Beach Bar and Grill, November 12, 2017

5. Measured Mile

Entrance to the Birthplace of Speed Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

6. Entrance to the Birthplace of Speed Park

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 12, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.