that group of images was purchased on ebay sometime prior to december 2004. right afterwards i was contacted by another party via email for scans of the "el mirage" images id just won. the seller had not specified the location but did mention the indian motorcycle. i informed them that they were welcome to the sellers scans which were still available online for a short time as is ebays policy with completed sales. in addition i asked the inquiring party for any details they might have on the subjects. no response. last week i thought id check around the internet to see if i could find more info on women motorcyclists at el mirage. so there was the image with a caption: "El Mirage 1948, Kelly Haynes preparing to get pushed off by Clem Murdaugh on a 64 ci Indian scout, they reach a speed of 142 while bottom blows out and unable to make a complete run." posted on a message board by iron wigwam. under their user profile there is a link to a website run by ironwigwam specializing in vintage indian mc collectibles in general and specifically his family's history of racing indian mcs. it appears that ironwigwam's dad was partners with the above mentioned clem murdagh in a mc shop in pa which led to his noteworthy career in mc racing, hill climbing, etc. 1948 was a hell of a year during a hell of an era at el mirage. / here is another story from IW about his dad, CM, and and clay smith (smiths logo is a tough looking woody the woodpecker with a cigar. clay is an intense looking redhead.)
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- bill 3-22-2011 12:48 am