Pop Culture
The speedway originally opened in 1924 and was taken over by American Legion Post 127 of Glendale in 1927. Legion Ascot became the most famous of several Ascot speedways, its name drawn from England's Ascot horse track. During its 13 years of operation, it was linked to 24 fatalities and became infamous as "the killer track." In 1932, Wilbur Shaw designed the first racing helmet and wore it there despite initial objections from the crowd; their annoyance soon faded when the helmet was tested and saved his life. The speedway also attracted movie stars including Bing Crosby, Andy Devine, Loretta Young, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, Edward G. Robinson, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Clara Bow, and Carole Lombard. Legion Ascot Speedway ended in 1936 when it burned down, torched by a former employee who said he did not want to see any more of his friends die.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Los Angeles, California · United States
