Encino Velodrome - Encino, California

Encino Velodrome History

The history of the Encino Velodrome began in 1953 when cycling enthusiasts George Garner, Bob Hansing, Jack Kemp and Charlie Morton started talking about building a new velodrome. Their original idea grew and through the help of friends, local businesses and the Corps of Engineers. Money and materials gradually came together allowing the track to be completed in time for the 1961 racing season. In 1963 the original asphalt surface was replaced with concrete and has remained as such to this day.

The Encino Velodrome was selected to host the National Track Championships in 1965. The success of that single event paid for all prior construction costs.

Two of the greatest events in Encino's history took place there in 1972 and 1973 respectively. The Grand Prix of the United States (USGP) featured 17 World and Olympic champions. Riders from 13 countries participated each year, including one of the greatest sprinters of all time, Daniel Morelon of France. The races were the premier cycling events those years on ABC's Wide World of Sports.

The Encino Velodrome has been maintained and improved through support from the Amateur Athletic Foundation, numerous friends, volunteers and local businesses.

New stadium lighting has been installed facilitating use of video and movie cameras at night.

Ongoing training and racing programs afford Encino Velodrome racers and riders year round opportunities to ride one of the finest 250 meter tracks in the country.

Track Statistics

The oval track is 250 meters in length, has 28 degree banked turns and 15 degree straights.

Racing Schedule

In season, racing begins at 7:00 pm. Admission is currently $3.00 for adults and free to children 12 and under.

Using their 1996 schedule and the racing info Race News line below's recorded message as a guide, their 1998 season begins in February. Open training time is on Tuesday nights.

Racing starts the first weekend in April and runs every other Saturday until July, when they go on Summer hiatus. Racing continues in mid-August and their season finale is the first week of September.

Directions:

The Encino Velodrome is located in the San Fernando Valley near the intersection of Louise Avenue and Oxnard Street. From the Ventura Freeway (Interstate 101) exit at White Oak Avenue. Go North on White Oak to Oxnard Street. Turn Right on Oxnard and proceed to the Stop sign at Louise Avenue. Entrance to Franklin Fields will be on the left at 17301 Oxnard Street.

ENCINO VELODROME
P.O. BOX 16006
ENCINO, CA 91416

Phone Contacts:
818-881-7441 - Race News Recording
818.249.5582 - Sponsorship/Race Info for 1998 (Pete)
818-243-2598 - AAF Classes
818-762-2123 - Adult Classes

Photos and text courtesy of the Cruz Family Homepage.