Cordy Milne
international motorcycle speedway
About Cordy Milne
Cordy Milne: Buffalo’s Speedway Legend
Born on April 14, 1914, in Buffalo, NY, Corydon “Cordy” Milne left an indelible mark on the world of motorcycle speedway racing. A trailblazer on the track from the 1930s to the 1940s, Cordy’s life was one of triumph, adventure, and a fearless drive to push limits.
Early Life in Buffalo
Growing up in Buffalo, Cordy Milne was part of a hardworking family that instilled in him a determination to succeed. Even though his family relocated to Pasadena, California, when he was young, the grit and resilience of Buffalo left a lasting impact on his character. While working as a delivery boy for Western Union, Cordy saved his money to buy his first motorcycle, a decision that would set the course of his life.
Starting with humble beginnings, he modified his bike into a speedway machine and began racing, showing a natural talent for the sport. With the support of his brother Jack Milne, who was also an accomplished racer, Cordy dove headfirst into the competitive world of speedway racing.
A Speedway Career Worth Celebrating
Cordy Milne’s career took off in the 1930s when he started winning major titles in the U.S. His aggressive style on the track and calm composure off it quickly made him a respected name in the world of speedway. By 1934, Cordy clinched his first American National Speedway Championship title, following it up with another win in 1935.
The mid-1930s saw Cordy and Jack Milne expand their horizons by venturing to England, where motorcycle speedway was a rapidly growing phenomenon. Joining England’s Hackney Wick Wolves, Cordy stunned the racing scene by competing alongside top-tier talents. His participation in international competitions further solidified his reputation.
One of Cordy’s most notable achievements came in 1937, when he finished third in the prestigious Speedway World Championship, trailing his brother Jack and fellow American Wilbur Lamoreaux in a historic sweep of the podium. Cordy’s consistent finishes at the top earned praise, and he became a household name in the speedway community.
Impact on the Sport
Cordy Milne’s contributions to speedway weren’t limited to his victories. Along with his brother, he helped popularize the sport both in the U.S. and abroad. Their racing prowess carried an unmistakable charisma that brought speedway to new audiences. Cordy and Jack became celebrities, gracing trading cards and advertisements in England as motorsport enthusiasts celebrated their dynamic performances.
During the late 1930s and through the 1940s, Cordy also gained international acclaim while racing in Australia. He won the Australian Championship in 1940 at the famed Sydney Showground Speedway, adding another important accolade to his career.
After World War II, Cordy returned to America, where he played a pivotal role in reviving the speedway scene in Southern California. Winning American National Speedway Championships in 1947 and 1948, he demonstrated that his talent and passion for the sport had not wavered.
Life Beyond the Track
Cordy’s dedication to the sport shaped the trajectory of speedway racing, but his life off the track reflected his admiration for hard work and entrepreneurship. Alongside his brother, Cordy used his racing earnings to open a business in Pasadena, starting with a bicycle shop and eventually transitioning into a successful motorcycle and car dealership.
Throughout his life, Cordy’s love for adventure and competition was matched by his ties to family and a legacy rooted in Buffalo’s resilience.
A Lasting Legacy
Cordy Milne passed away in 1978 at the age of 64, but his legacy as a speedway pioneer endures. His accomplishments on the global stage of motorcycle speedway continue to inspire new generations of riders.
Buffalo can be proud to call Cordy Milne one of its own—a man whose drive and daring spirit took him from the streets of Buffalo to the world’s most prestigious speedway tracks. With his induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, Cordy’s achievements remain immortalized, cementing his place among motorsport’s trailblazers.
Here’s to Cordy Milne—a Buffalo-born legend whose hard work and fearless determination made him a symbol of speed and excellence.