Have you ever come across vintage photos or footage of motorcycle chariot racing? It looks absolutely wild — and honestly, like a whole lot of fun.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much detailed information about the history of motorcycle chariot racing. Still, here’s a brief look at the origins of this outrageous style of competition.
The inspiration for this unique form of racing is often traced back to the 1925 film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The dramatic chariot scenes captured imaginations, and before long, enthusiasts began recreating the spectacle with motorcycles. The earliest motorcycle chariots and organized races appear to have started in Australia, with the United States and parts of Europe soon following suit.
So, what led to the downfall of motorcycle chariot racing? A major factor was the Great Depression. During that time, many people were simply trying to make ends meet. Few could justify the cost of building and maintaining a chariot pulled by two motorcycles — especially when crashes and mechanical damage were almost guaranteed.
Then came World War II, which delivered the final blow. Wartime rationing severely limited access to metals and other essential materials.
As a result, many motorcycle manufacturers struggled or shut down entirely, particularly those that did not secure government contracts and therefore lacked access to the resources needed to survive.
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