Phoenix Riders Sweep First Three Places in July 4th Race by J.J. Lamb
“Ten fast riders, perfect weather and a fast course, everything looks fine for some fast records in the Tucson – Vail – Tucson Race.”, according to the Arizona Daily Star. Lorenzo Boido, “the Phoenix Crack,” and “speed artist” Joe O’Connell, were among the 10 motorcyclists on the starting line July 4, 1915, for the Tucson – Vail – Tucson race. Organized by the Tucson Motorcycle Club, all members were required to be on hand to officiate. Anticipation community-wide was keen. The big race was the only official July 4th activity planned for Tucson and Vail. Fireworks, music and patriotic speeches were to take place in Nogales and Douglas.
From the starting line at Tucson’s Carnegie library motorcyclists sped south to the state highway at the El Paso & Southwestern railroad tracks where the course turned east towards Vail. The Club asked that “automobilists kindly keep off the route for the race from 4-6 o’clock.” Officials were stationed along the route to keep racers and crowds safe. At 4 PM sharp, riders lined up adjacent to the library flag pole, 100% focused on the start official R.E. Bayes, they were primed and ready. Beginning from a cold start, at one-minute intervals, man and machine raced the clock aiming to set new records in the 44-mile round-trip contest of skill and endurance. Spectators lined the 22-mile course cheering as racers sped by at breakneck speeds. Competitors raced to Schley’s Store in Vail where G. H. Barnes and G.A. Wells checked them in amid swirling clouds of dust as braking bikes squealed to a stop in front of Schley’s Store. Local rancher Walter Johnson served as timer. After a 30-minute rest stop, he lined racers up for the second leg of the competition.
Onlookers cheered for their favorites. Motorcycles and their speed were still very new in 1915. Lorenzo Boido from Phoenix was considered the front-runner. He was a fearless speeder with a “bad boy” reputation. Another Phoenician, Joe O’Connell, known as a “speed artist” in short course racing was a strong contender. It remained to be seen how he would do on a long course. E.R. Highfill was the local dark horse, “who by a lucky run, may overthrow the dope and get the money away from the chaps (from Phoenix)” according to the Arizona Daily Star. The 1915 purse was $100, to be divided four ways. This was a big jump from 1914’s prizes; $25., $15., and third place prize, a combination electric light and horn. The contenders were set on breaking “Cannonball” Baker’s 1914 record time of 21:48 to Vail. When the 1915 race was over, O’Connell, the “speed artist” did just that, he shaved four minutes off through the skillful riding of his Indian motorcycle!
Fans witnessed nail biting, engine roaring, racing drama as J.V. Berg, the early leader, punctured a tire on a horseshoe nail. Howard Reynolds zipped past, but clutch trouble took him out within five miles of Vail. O’Connell, the “speed artist” took the lead, setting a new record for the Tucson to Vail leg of the race. On the return to Tucson, C. Russel’s Indian bike blew a tire taking him out, and O’Connell lost a sprocket. Lorenzo Boido’s Indian motorcycle zoomed past them and across the finish line at the Carnegie Library with a time of 49:34. D.J. Buck was 2nd with a time of 51:30, Ray Reynolds on his Excelsior made the 44-mile course in 57:01, and Highfill, the local darkhorse, finished 6th with a respectable time of 66:45 on his Flying Merkle. Racers were masters of manipulation and creativity as they kept their motorcycles going. In 1914 Boido’s Indian motorcycle’s gas cap flew off. Holding his hand over the void for the last half of the race, he still came in 2nd with a time of 58 minutes. Erwin Baker, on an Indian, crossed the finish line with a smoking time of 46:42 to take 1st place that year.
According to Phoenix racer, John Hohl, who was quoted in the Arizona Republic the next day, “It was a well-conducted race, I never did see so many officers. The crowd beat those we have in Phoenix. I have never seen a better display of hospitality. Racers (from Phoenix) were met by 40 Tucson Motorcycle Club members when we arrived (from Phoenix). They certainly treated us fine. We had a grand feed. They took us all over town and out to the mission. Then we went out and won their race for them.”
THEN NOW
State Highway Old Vail Road
Schley’s Store 1908 Old Vail Post Office
Carnegie Library Tucson Children’s Museum
Dope The inside scoop (information)
Crack Sharp, right on
El Paso & SW RR tracks In Vail this is the south set of tracks
grand feed great meal, lots of food

Walter and Ethyl Johnson at their ranch in the Santa Rita Mountains.
Courtesy Vail Preservation Society. Johnson Collection