The Goudy Brothers of Fairbury, Illinois

By: Dale C. Maley

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Two of Fairbury's most nationally famous citizens were Carl and brother William Goudy. They both raced nationally and held world records in early motorcycle racing between 1911 and 1916.Carl won the big Chicago motorcycle race held in September 1915. Carl loaned his fast Excelsior motorcycle to his brother William. In January of 1916, William was killed in an accident on a Bakersfield, California, track while doing practice laps.Carl's grade-school girlfriend told him that she would not marry him unless he gave up the dangerous sport of motorcycle racing. Carl gave up motorcycle racing in 1916 and married Hazel Dominy Bane in Chicago.Carl served in the Navy Air Corps in 1918-1919 and then enrolled in Pratt Institute, N. Y. where he was graduated in 1921 and then served as an instructor there.Carl's first job after graduating from Pratt Institute was with Pacent Electric Company. Louis G. Pacent was a pioneer in the field of radio and electronics.Carl started his own company in 1934 in his basement. He eventually became Chairman of this company. During his working career, he was awarded 15 U.S. Patents.In 1998, both Carl and William Goudy were inducted into the AMA Motorcycling Hall of Fame.It is hoped this book will help people better understand the lives of two of Fairbury's most nationally famous citizens.