Fast Digs: Frank Testa

 Though born in New York City in 1903, the family of Frank Testa moved to Los Angeles when Frank was still at a young age - at some point before 1910. As a high school student / athlete, first at Polytechnic High and then at Hollywood High, he was already one of the top racers of any age in the city, and newspapers throughout the state were mentioning his name as one of the most promising up-and-comers. This is hardly surprising, as Testa's father had raced as an amateur in Italy, while Frank's younger brother, Eddie, would gain even greater acclaim as a bicycle racer in international Six-Day races (another younger brother, Felix, also raced in Los Angeles). Frank, and Eddie, would both compete in the 1932 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, Frank finishing 5th in the 2,000 meter tandem race while paired with Reydens "Buck" Ingham.

Frank Testa is but one of the Los Angeles racers (and racing venues) you can read about in the second volume of Fast Digs. Remember, Fast Digs: Bicycle Racing Venues of Greater Los Angeles, the Early Years, 1880-1899 is still available for purchase through the Blurb Bookstore.

this photo of Frank Testa appeared in the Daily News (Los Angeles) in 1924 with the title, Knight of Roaring Spoke. Testa is riding the "latest speedway job with open-work sprockets" while preparing for the upcoming National Championship preliminary races.