100 Years of Flat Track Racing: The Barbara Fritchie Classic Frederick Maryland

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.