100 Years Ago Santa Cruz was Talking About a Racetrack and an Auto Record

A century ago Santa Cruzans were planning a horse racetrack near Capitola...and talking about a long distance record set by the driver of a car from Santa Cruz to Sonora, according to the San Francisco Call.

The trip was an astounding 175 miles over eight hours for an average speed of 21 miles per hour. He drove a 1910 EMF 30 and passed through San Jose, Livermore, Tracy, French Camp, Oakdale, Knights Ferry, Keystone and Sonora.

The article says nothing about whether he brought his surfboard or his snowboard with him.

Meanwhile, December 1911 was a big month for horse racing fans because "the movement started some weeks ago by John Ferguson to provide Santa Cruz with a racetrack has met with unlooked for success."

The track was supposed to be built on the electric line near Capitola and would be so modern as to have a track for motorcycles and car races.

I've unfound this track with unlooked for failure. Was it built? Was it paved over for condos? Does some local historian have the answers?