08/13/2026
Some weekends during the summer when the conditions are just right you can hear the hum of motorcycle engines out on Dora Road all the way to the west side of town. I know I have heard them. One pauses for a second asking where is that coming from? Wabash has always had a fascination with motorcycles and from the earliest days of motorcycles there have been Wabash youth interested in them. The first motorcycle accident known to have occurred in Wabash County was in 1903 when Walter Clark had a spill on his motorcycle after an encounter with a dog. By 1914, Frank Dunbar located at 31 W. Canal St. was selling motorcycles. In 1915 he sold the first 3 speed Harley Davidson known in Wabash County to Ed Carrouthers. Thanks to James Dickerhoff we have this interesting picture of early members of the Wabash Cannonball Motorcycle Club. James thinks the picture was taken in the early 1950s and with the outfits the men are wearing that’s about right. The picture was taken in Speicherville. And, if I am not mistaken the Speicherville school is pictured in the back which makes this an even rarer picture. In the picture are Ray Newman, Orean Wilson, Fred King and Everett Whitsel. The Wabash Cannonball Motorcycle Club began in 1937. By the 1940s they had laid out a race track out on Dora Road just south of Wabash. The Wabash Cannonball MX track is considered to be the third oldest sanctioned motocross track in the country. Each year they draw people from across the country just to ride the “old school” course. . “We got a lot of guys out here just participating in a sport they love while racing on a track they love,” said Chris Brechbiel. The track brings in an ample amount of local and state-wide top amateur talent. Participants come from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin and in 2014 Joann Halpin rode in the race coming from Ireland. Two races seem to attract the most participants the vintage race and the Danny Umbarger race named for Danny Umbarger who grew up here racing and was involved in a bad accident that paralyzed him. The Vintage race features machines from the 60s,70s and 80s. This race attracts old timers at the track like Don Baker and others. When the club isn’t hosting a race event it offers open ride for the public. The track is located at 600 Dora Road (483W 250S). The have open rides and practice available. They have a peewee track for beginners and a main track for all skill levels. The track has standard obstacles and is mostly hard pack with some sandy areas. It is best to see their page for further information. Gary Alan Ridenour recalls “We have super 8 video of when my dad raced out at Cannonball sometime around 1964 or 65. When it was considered a TT track. I remember going in the 70s before we lived in Wabash and watching races. And then after we moved here and watched. Lincolnville also had a track dad talked about racing at in the 60's.” Julie May adds “I have awesome memories of me and my Grandpa going to race track a lot. Many times we would get Spanish dogs, Onion rings and Root B**r and sit on the tailgate and watch the bikes.” David Bakehorn adds “Dora Road itself was our racetrack. Kevin Way, John Shanabarger, Scott McGinnis, Kirk Bakehorn, Greg Hite, Kevin Bakehorn, Steve Brandt, Perry Cross, Larry Copper. We tore it up! Greg Hite adds “I don't remember ever going the speed limit!”
