About IMPS
On the back roads of Marion, Indiana, on September 7, 1920, the second annual Cornfield Classic: Marion’s International Motorcycle Race, was held just southwest of town. The event organizers utilized county roads to make a five mile race course, and the fine weather brought out a crowd of more than 15,000 people. The 200-mile international championship motorcycle race took approximately 3-hours to complete. The 1920 victor was Harley-Davidson rider Ray Weishaar, of Bridgeport, Conn. at a pace of 2:48:37, which was 17 minutes and 56 seconds under the time in which Red Parkhurst covered the distance the year prior in winning the race. Leonard Buckner, riding an Indian, was second, in 2:52:47, and Jim Davis, driving a Harley Davidson, was third, in 2:56:04. Weishaar, being the first across the finish line, was given a piglet, which he immediately made a victory lap with the little pig as a passenger. The Harley race team affectionately became known as the Hog Boys and the name HOG stuck marking Marion, Indiana on the map as the Home of the Hog.
The Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society’s mission is to promote and preserve Indiana’s motorcycle history. Marion’s Cornfield Classic and tales of the Home of the Hog are shared across the globe including a special exhibit in Milwaukee at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Learn more below!
Motorcycle Racing Returns to Post-War America
Harley Davidson is a Favored Contender
Heroes of Harley Davidson
Indian Brings an International Champion
Excelsior Rounds Out the Big Three
Bigger Crowds In Attendance for the 2nd Annual Cornfield Classic
Marion Economy Grows as a Result of the Race
Home of the Hog
Preserving Motorcycle History
Keeping alive the stories and vibrant history of motorcycle racing in Indiana is the mission of Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society (IMPS). Founded in 2015, by a group of enthusiasts, IMPS supports motorcycle-related events across the state in an effort to educate the public on the role bikers played on the culture and history of the area and celebrate the communities that have long welcomed motorcycle riders in Indiana.
Board Members
Pat Michell, President
Jake Simpkins, Vice President
Loretta Tappan, Secretary/Treasurer
Dr. Don Osborne
Roger Tappan
We collect motorcycle artifacts and stories throughout the State of Indiana to share here on our website, social media channels, and local events. Do you have a story to share about motorcycling or motorcycle racing in Indiana? Use our Contact Form to share information.
Ready to join the IMPS Network? Visit our Membership Page.
Wishing you clear skies, smooth roads and happy surprise around each corner! Ride on!