09/10/2026
🏁🏙️ Throwback Thursday: The Town Built on a Racetrack! 🏙️🏁
Did you know there is a street in Corona that forms a complete, perfect circle? Grand Boulevard, was originally drawn that way on purpose back in the 1880s by surveyor Hiram Clay Kellogg. But it wasn't until 1913 that someone looked at it and realized the town essentially already owned a world-class racetrack!
On September 9, 1913—timed for the anniversary of California statehood with a massive $10,000 in prize money—Corona held its very first road race. Legends came from far and wide, including Barney Oldfield and a young Eddie Rickenbacker years before WWI made him a household name. More than 100,000 spectators flooded the area, standing around that enormous circle to watch the roaring machines.
The races returned on Thanksgiving Day in 1914, complete with a newly paved boulevard to handle the high speeds properly. Sadly, tragedy struck during the third major race in April 1916, claiming the lives of driver Bob Burman, his riding mechanic Erick Schroeder, and track guard William Speer—bringing an end to the historic speedway era.
Today, that famous circular street is still there, lined with homes where people live and drive every day. If you live on the loop, you might just be doing 35 mph on a historic racetrack! 🚗💨
While the cars have changed, we still love celebrating the unique history of the communities we serve.
Have you ever driven or lived on the famous Grand Boulevard circle? Let us know your favorite local history trivia in the comments below! 👇
