RACING
Did you know that as early as 1913 Japanese Americans were holding organized auto races at Ascot in Gardena, California?

Dates of interest:
1935: Chick Hirashima is riding mechanic to Rex Mays in the Indianapolis 500.
1950s: Yam Oka is top Japanese American oval track racer, frequently racing and winning at tracks around Southern California.
1998: Chick Hirashima is elected to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, following a career of building winning engines and managing successful teams for the Indianapolis 500.


Photo: Gift of Dr. Ernest T. Nagamatsu (2000.50)

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JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM