The Columbus Motordrome: A Brief but Thrilling Chapter in Upper Arlington History

Inspired by the donation of an Abstract of Title from Stephanie & Michael Doran
Written by UA resident & Society volunteer, Elizabeth Green

In the early 1910s, before Upper Arlington existed, motorcycle racing was surging in popularity across the United States, captivating thrill-seekers and crowds eager for speed. On May 28, 1912, Perry Township resident James T. Miller leased a square tract of land—about 22.96 acres—to the Columbus Motordrome Company for a five-year term. The property was approximately bounded as depicted below (using today’s map):

The Columbus Motordrome was one of the first motorcycle racing tracks built in the country. It was designed by Jack Prince, a Chicago bicyclist-turned-visionary racetrack architect known for his daring, innovative layouts. The track itself was a half-mile, 47-degree banked circle constructed entirely of yellow pine—an engineering feat for its time. The steep banking allowed riders to reach breathtaking speeds of up to 98 miles per hour.

The venue was equally impressive. More than 110 arc lights were suspended on wires around the track for nighttime races. The grandstands seated 5,000 fans, and the infield—accessible by a tunnel beneath the track—could hold 1,400 automobiles and as many as 100,000 spectators.

Anticipation for the motordrome’s debut in Columbus was high. Promoters urged fans to take the Arlington street car line(*) to the venue, promising a dust-free ride thanks to well-oiled roads. Tickets for the grand opening were sold at the Wendt-Bristol Drug Store on S. High Street. The first races were held at 2 p.m. on July 4, 1912, featuring both professional and amateur riders. An estimated 18,000 fans turned out for the event, making it one of the most exciting Independence Day celebrations in the city’s history.

But the thrill came with risk. Motordromes around the country quickly earned the nickname “murderdromes” because of the extreme speeds, minimal safety barriers, and frequent fatal crashes. In 1913, a horrific accident at a motordrome in Cincinnati claimed the lives of a racer and nine spectators and injured 35 more. The tragedy cast a shadow over the sport, and the Columbus Motordrome closed shortly thereafter—barely a year after its grand opening.

In February 1914, the Common Pleas Court formally canceled the lease between James T. Miller and the Columbus Motordrome Company in the case of John S. Prince vs. The Columbus Motordrome Company. The company had failed to pay rent and uphold the terms of its lease, and Miller successfully reclaimed the property.

Although its life was brief, the Columbus Motordrome brought an unparalleled sense of excitement and spectacle to the area now known as Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights. Its rise and fall mirrored the early motorcycle racing boom, which ultimately led to greater awareness of track safety and the development of more secure racing environments. Today, the story of the motordrome remains a fascinating glimpse into a daring, high-speed chapter of local history.

(*) The Arlington street car was named for a section of today’s Marble Cliff that had been called “Arlington” when it was developed in the 1880s. Hence, our community’s name of “Upper Arlington” makes rational sense. See more about our city’s name here.