Racing Through Time
A Q&A with Evan Lovett, Creator of “L.A. in a Minute,” on the 1919 Beverly Hills Speedway
Evan Lovett, the creator and genius mind behind "L.A. in a Minute," has been making waves in the world of social media with his fascinating vlog on the history and culture of Los Angeles. His quick, bite-sized episodes have amassed a dedicated following, making it one of L.A.'s fastest-growing vlogs on record. We recently sat down with Evan to discuss the legendary 1919 Beverly Hills Speedway, its impact on the city's history, and its role in shaping the glamorous image of Los Angeles.
Q: Evan, what inspired you to cover the Beverly Hills Speedway in one of your vlog episodes?
A: The Beverly Hills Speedway is a fascinating part of L.A.'s history that many people are unaware of. It represented the glamour and excitement of the time and was a precursor to the city's love affair with fast cars and Hollywood glitz. I wanted to shine a light on this forgotten gem and share its story with my audience.
Q: Can you tell us about the origins of the speedway and how it became a significant part of L.A.'s culture?
A: The speedway was built in 1919 by a group of investors and racing enthusiasts who saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing interest in automobile racing. Its prime location on 275 acres of land, right where Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards intersect today, made it an accessible and attractive venue for both racers and spectators. Its unique wooden oval track design and capacity to host 70,000 fans helped elevate it to an iconic status in the world of racing.
Q: Who were some of the big names in racing that competed at the Beverly Hills Speedway?
A: The speedway attracted legendary racers like Barney Oldfield, Jimmy Murphy, and Eddie Rickenbacker. These fearless drivers pushed their machines to reach speeds of up to 120 miles per hour, which was an incredible feat at the time. Their daring and skill helped to solidify the track's reputation as a premier racing venue.
Q: How did Hollywood celebrities influence the popularity of the speedway?
A: Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks frequently attended races at the Beverly Hills Speedway, adding an extra layer of glamour and allure to the events. Their presence helped to fuel the public's fascination with the sport and contributed to the speedway's status as a symbol of the burgeoning Hollywood lifestyle.
Q: What ultimately led to the closure of the Beverly Hills Speedway?
A: Unfortunately, the speedway's existence was short-lived. It was dismantled in 1924 to make way for real estate development as land values in Beverly Hills skyrocketed. The last race was held on February 24, 1924, marking the end of a captivating chapter in the history of American automobile racing.
Evan Lovett's passion for unearthing L.A.'s hidden history has given us a fresh perspective on the fascinating tale of the 1919 Beverly Hills Speedway. Through his insightful vlog, Evan continues to captivate audiences with stories that illuminate the rich tapestry of Los Angeles' past.
For more hidden history, be sure to follow Evan on Instagram at @lainaminute. You can also listen to his podcast, "In a Minute with Evan Lovett," where he delves deeper into the lesser-known corners of L.A.'s history. The podcast is available on your favorite podcast app. To start listening, simply search for "In a Minute with Evan Lovett" on your favorite podcast app.