The Catalina Grand Prix was the premiere motorcycle race in Southern California from 1951 through 1958. Catalina Island which was owned by the Wrigleys Chewing Gum family, is twenty miles off the coast of Los Angeles. The race was held at the beginning of May and a win there meant great sales for whatever brand won. The race was for bragging rights only as the winner got his name on the trophy and not a dime in prize money. Spectating was free. The course started in Avalon and went to the highest point on the island, down to the opposite coast and looped back to the start. The track was made up of city streets,fire roads and single track horse trails. It was a whole weekend event with races on Saturday and Sunday. Catalina Island ( 20 miles x 5 miles) has not changed much at all in all these years. It is now owned by the State who have kept the original plan of only 1 square mile of development, which makes up the town of Avalon. It is a very beautiful place and a great escape from the boiling mass of LA.
Unfortunately there are no plans for a Retro Catalina G.P.
