[1] Ray started motorcycle racing in 1923 and two years later he was winning at circle tracks, hill climbs, and endurance runs culminating with the Northwest Championship.
Ray also performed parachute jumping, won golf tournaments, and earned light heavyweight wrestling titles.
[3][4] He represented America in competitions pitted against England and Australian riders as well as for individual trophies and made several appearances for Wembley Lions.
In 1930, he joined the Wimbledon Dons for the 1930 Speedway Southern League and after the 1930 British season he competed in Australia and New Zealand.
As the world’s top rider, he drew the large crowds as he was revered by fans, respected by sportswriters, and was often described as a well-rounded sportsman.
He was active managing racetracks in California, New Jersey, New York, and Toronto showing speedway addicts the exciting mode of racing that he brought to the cinder track.