The first dirt track auto races on the coast were held right here in Mendocino, where Headlands State Park now exists.
Organizers of the 1921 Apple Fair wanted the Fair “to be bigger and better than ever” by adding auto and horse races and a rodeo. Joshua Grindle, president of the Fair Association, appointed committees and set the plan in motion. A location for the track “determined to be quite level” existed on A.A. Heeser’s ranch west of town and north of the Mendocino Lumber Company’s yard. With the aid of a tractor, road scraper, and roller, a 25-acre racecourse with grandstands was constructed. A pump house and 1200 feet of pipe for wetting the track were also added.
Car No. 5 missing its left wheel at the Mendocino Racetrack, circa 1922.
Prior to 1919, most auto racing involved expensive machines, sponsored by major car manufacturers. These races were driven by professionals who toured large cities throughout the country. After WWI, the face of racing changed, and individuals began converting, building, or buying cars to race at the local fairgrounds.
Mendocino’s first race, held on October 25, 1921, saw three entries – two Fords and a small Buick. In approximately 23 minutes the drivers completed 25 laps (17 miles). Crowds cheered from the grandstands for their local favorites during the somewhat uneventful race. Dan Vaughn’s Ford began with the lead but was passed by Catherina’s Buick in the fifth lap, which held this placement until the end. Disbrow’s Ford experienced engine problems and went out of commission before the half-way point. Four cars competed in the second race – an Essex, a Dodge, a Buick, and a Cole (which did not finish). The larger cars traveled 25 miles at astounding speeds of 50-60 mph.
The following year, races were held during the July 4th festivities, drawing an estimated 1,500 spectators. Cash prizes for the two days totaled $750 – a significant sum when considering the sticker price of a new Ford Touring car in 1922 was only $269!
For the next few years, the Beacon cites both Apple Fairs and July 4th celebrations as occasions for racing. Reports related tales of favorite drivers and cars plagued with mechanical hazards, such as broken axles, thrown tires and blown pistons. Subsequent races pulled larger crowds and purses, and drivers began arriving from quite a distance to participate. Although the date of the final event is unknown at this time, it appears that racing went on for a number of years, providing entertainment to both locals and visitors.
This article was written by Nancy Freeze in January 2007. The Kelley House Museum is open Thursday-Monday, 11am-3pm. Our current exhibit, Conservation Forever: 50 Years of Mendocino Land Trust is open until June 1st, 2026. Join the Kelley House and Mendocino Land Trust on Saturday, May 16th for a guided walk on the Big River Trail. Visit the Kelley House Museum event calendar to RSVP.