 The opening event at the Motordrome was a nine-day series of races and exhibitions that ran from April 8, 1910 to April 17. Notable racers Barney Oldfield, Ralph DePalma, Lewis Strang, Ray Harroun, Joe Nikrent, and Caleb Bragg were all in attendance.The Motordrome's promoters had promised that world records would fall at the new race track, and efforts were made to deliver as quickly as possible.Prince had predicted 35-second lap times prior to construction, and laps of just over 36 seconds were produced in a preliminary contest between Oldfield and DePalma, prior to opening day, breaking a one-mile record of 37.7 seconds previously set by Strang.