Milwaukee Mile in Wisconsin is the oldest continuously operating auto racing track in the United States. Built in the 1800s for horse racing, in 1903, it hosted its first auto race: a 5-mile dirt track event in which the winning car hit an astonishing 50 mph (astonishing for 1903). For years, it was a regular stop on the IndyCar circuit. Though activity at the track slowed in recent years, grassroots groups continue driving hard to bring it back up to speed.

In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner conducted his first clinical trials in vaccination against smallpox, deriving his vaccine from the milder cowpox virus. Once the vaccine had been tested, Jenner vaccinated his patients, set up a free clinic to vaccinate poor people and provided other doctors with the vaccine so they could do the same. (An anti-vaccine movement came about soon after.) He even coined the word “vaccination” from “vacca,” the Latin word for cow.

1. Which company’s products include vehicles known as Fat Boy and Electra Glide?

A) Chevrolet

B) Harley-Davidson

C) Lockheed Martin

D) Triumph

2. Which music superstar played “Take Me to the Pilot” in his U.S. debut at Los Angeles’ Troubadour nightclub in August 1970?

A) Bob Dylan

B) Elton John

C) Van Morrison

D) Bruce Springsteen

3. The Treaty of Versailles helped to end which conflict?

A) American Revolutionary War

B) French and Indian War

C) War of 1812

D) World War I

4. Lactose, which is found in milk, would be best classified as what?

A) Acid

B) Metalloid

C) Salt

D) Sugar

5. In which season did the National Basketball Association officially adopt the 3-point line?

A) 1959-60

B) 1969-70

C) 1979-80

D) 1989-90

6. Which of these things is true about the planet Venus?

A) It’s larger than Earth

B) It’s the hottest planet in our solar system

C) It’s the planet closest to the sun

D) It’s surrounded by gaseous rings

Answers

1) Harley-Davidson makes Fat Boy and Electra Glide motorcycles.

2) Elton John made his U.S. debut playing six sold-out shows at the Troubadour in August 1970.

3) Signed on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles led to the end of World War I.

4) Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk.

5) The NBA officially adopted the 3-point line in the 1979-80 season.

6) With a surface temperature of about 900 degrees Fahrenheit, Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system.

Email Leslie at triviabitsleslie@gmail.com.