July 7, 2015
Updated - August 6, 2015
By: David L. Morrill
@MototiqueRacingSylacauga, Alabama
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Gene Walker at Bob Stubbs Indian Dealership in Birmingham, AL. ca. 1913
Furman Family Collection
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100 Years ago today, a young Birmingham, Alabama motorcycle mail clerk, took his first step towards becoming one of the most accomplished professional motorcycle racers of his time.
On July 10, 1915, Gene Walker won the Five Mile National Championship Race at Saratoga, New York. This was Walker's first season as a member of the Indian Motocycle's Factory Racing Team.
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| Motorcycle Illustrated - July 15, 1915 |
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Pittsburgh, PA. Daily Post - July 11, 1915
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During his ten-year racing career, Walker won 19 National Championships, numerous non championship races, and set track records at racetracks across the country.
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| Atlanta Constitution - September 1919 |
In April 1920, he set the first officially recognized motorcycle land speed record for Indian at Ormond Beach, Florida.
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| Indian Motocycles Wigwam News - May 1920 |
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| Indian Motocycle Ad - 1920 |
Walker died of injuries sustained in a practice crash in June 1924 at the age of thirty.
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| Birmingham, AL. News - June 1924 |
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| Indian Motocycle Memorial Ad - June 1924 |
Gene Walker was inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association's Hall of fame in 1998.
To read more about Gene Walker's career please check out Gene Walker, Birmingham's Lost racing Champion - Episode #2 @
Sources:
Atlanta, GA. Constitution
Birmingham, AL. News
Furman Family Collection
Gene Walker, Birmingham's Lost Racing Champion - Episode 2
Hendee Manufacturing Company - Indian Motocycles
Indian Motocycle Wigwam News
Motorcycle illustrated
Pittsburgh, PA. Daily Post
