When you explore early 20th-century motorcycling lore, one name shines brightly: Ray Creviston. Born and raised near Converse, Indiana, Creviston became a national figure in flat-track racing long before Indianapolis became synonymous with motorsports royalty.
From Converse Farm to World Record Holder
Creviston’s love for speed was no accident—it was bred into him on rural Indiana soil. He cut his teeth racing on the Converse Fairgrounds half-mile track, turning heads, young and old, with his fearless style (miamicountyin.gov). In July 1914, he shocked the racing world by setting a world record for the fastest mile on a motorcycle. Over the next few years, he defended that title multiple times, cementing his place in history and elevating the Indian Motorcycle brand with each victory.
Cracking the Competition with a Game-Changing Tactic
Creviston was more than fast—he was smart. His go-to move? Drafting. He’d tail other racers closely to slipstream them, then zoom past in a flash when it mattered most. It’s a strategy still common in racing today—and Creviston mastered it a century ago.
A Career Built on Grit and Heritage
Racing for top-tier makers like Indian, Excelsior, and Thor, Creviston wasn’t afraid to switch teams if it meant better performance. He even raced at the historic Cornfield Classic in 1919 on an Excelsior before returning to Indian’s ranks. He also piloted the Reading Standard’s rare Cyclone-powered factory racer in 1921, a bike so advanced it briefly hit 100 mph on the West Coast. Mechanical gremlins hampered its success, but the attempt showcased Creviston’s ambition and engineering savvy (archivemoto.com).
Mend and Return to Roots
As racing became increasingly aggressive in the 1920s, Creviston chose a quieter life. He returned to his family farm in Converse and let the roar of engines fade. But even in retirement, he remained a local legend—his stories and records preserved through the decades.
Why Ray Creviston Still Matters to Grant County
- Local Pride: Ray’s early victories put small-town Converse on the national map. His success helped shape a regional identity, building community pride around innovation and grit.
- Cultural Heritage: His pioneering racing strategies and world records laid foundational stones in American motorcycle history—elements the Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society (IMPS) still honors.
- Inspiration: Ray’s story shows how talent and drive can overcome any starting point—and it’s still the spark we need to inspire future generations in Grant County.
Continuing the Legacy Today
To continue celebrating Creviston’s impact, IMPS features his story in our programming and events, like the Cornfield Classic Challenge. We’re dedicated to preserving his legacy, connecting motorsport past to present here in Grant County.
If you have memories, photos, or heirlooms tied to Ray Creviston, we’d love to hear your story. Share with us and help spread the inspiration his life ignited.
Ray Creviston wasn’t just a Converse farm kid—he was a trailblazer whose legacy still echoes in every wheel of Grant County’s motorcycling story.
For more on Creviston and the Cornfield Classic’s history, visit these resources:
https://www.miamicountyin.gov/648/Converse
https://archivemoto.com/thearchive/2015/11/19/crevy-and-the-rs
https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1968/1/1/1st-of-the-great-champs
http://www.statnekov.com/motorcycles/lives13.html