Story & Photos: Howie Zechner
Stupendous. Colossal, Magnificent, Breathtaking. After a two-year absence Speedways return to the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds was one for the record books. Attendance, rider participation, a well-groomed race track, perfect.
The momentum had been building for months. Social media and press releases reminded all that after an absence of 954 days, Saturday night Speedway racing was back.
It wasn’t easy. Grandstands were removed and had to be put back. The racetrack had been used as a parking lot so everything from a dirt/DG surface to the crash walls, concession stands, ticket booths and so on all needed to be brought out of storage and in several cases fully rebuilt. Naturally everything needed a couple of coats of paint and lots of TLC. All in all, it represented a lot of work and manhours.
Now that was the easy part cause even from the closures beginning Brad had been fighting for dates. Fair boards, county employees, state officials, permits, fire department inspections, an evacuation plan and the list goes on. We love them all and appreciate their cooperation but they are a pain in the ass that require a lot of energy and time.
Fortunately, Brad learned from the best, his dad Harry Oxley. Called the Godfather of American Speedway he along with 1937 World Speedway Champion, Jack Milne first brought racing to the Orange County fairground 53 years ago. Possibly the challenges were not as stringent then as now but like everything in life, we deal with it.
Like a child who progresses in his schooling the playground a young Brad Oxley use to run around in turned into the grunt work Harry needed done to management and now promoter. Throw in being a top D1 racer with two National Championship titles and his time racing overseas, there are none who can argue that Brad has earned his Master degree in Speedway and Promotion.
Of course, it’s a family affair as Brads better half Jaleen and the rest of the Oxley clan do more than they receive credit for. They are the backbone of a superb team whose hard work and dedication are just one more layer that allows Speedway to flourish in a world that embraces the word no.
Perfect weather, Ken Williams and I arrived way early for opening night. No bikes yet in the pits with the exception of one, the #11 Boogaloo Bobby Schwartz machine. All set up in its usual spot with toolbox, chairs and fuel all laid out. It was ready and yearning for the nights action.
Still a million different loose ends that needed a final touch Brad and Jaleen were going crazy. No real hiccups but much like in Alice in Wonderland where the White Rabbit says I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!" they were running at max horsepower.
Slowly things mellowed. Speedway and sidecar riders arrived as did announcer Terry Clanton, referee Steve Lucero, clipboard Ryan Evans and scorers Jean Fink and Jessi DuBois. By the time the clock got to 5pm the pits were ready for racing. Everyone celebrating each other’s company their time was well spent as they waited for qualifying and the lower division racers to begin at 6 pm.
Things outside the arena were not as calm. The hardcores were lined up well before the gates opened at 5:30. Once open there was a calm in the storm till about 6:15 when what seemed like every Speedway fan in California showed up. Two lines opposite of each other went on forever. Like the old days when a Costa Mesa sellout was a weekly occurrence this night would set attendance records that rival yesteryear.
The arena was packed as everyone squeezed together. No issues it was harmony and all cherished the comradery that makes the fans and sport so special. Some danced as the Rock & Roll band Dirty Water played while others took in the vintage Speedway bikes display. Others just drifted from one corner to another saying hello to friends and making new one. It was without a doubt a happening of the most excellent kind.
Gene Woods and Mike Faria set up a large canopy where Speedway stars and legends of yesteryear autographed special Hot Shoe, Hall of Fame posters and talked with their fans.
Things got close. Filled with the normal drama, remarks and regulations Brad Oxley held a rider meeting. All there on the same page they knew their part as well as the promoter did. On conclusion everyone vowed they would cement this night into the folklore that makes Costa Mesa the most recognized Speedway track in America.
As 7:30 the race program started the night becomes a blur. A party interrupted by a race every few minutes the action was wild. Crashes, of course, tight racing, naturally, upsets, rivalry, celebration. Yes, all on display and revered.
5/21/22 Costa Mesa Season Opener results were - Jack Milne Cup Final (restarted twice) 5 - Max Ruml 24 - Gino Manzares 1 - Billy Janniro (fell, excluded) 28 - Slater Lightcap (fell, excluded)
Scratch Consolation 30n - Alex Martin 27 - Blake Borello 173 - Rees Todd 12 - Randy DiFrancesco (non starter)
Second Division Main Event - 137 - Justin Almon 309 - Jonny Oakden 290 - Harold Hartke 327 - Tyler Moszer (fell)
Second Division Consolation - 296 - Andrew Russell 168 - Mark Fillebrown 163 - Ron Davis 118 - Rohn Zellner (retired)
Third Division Main Event - 106 - Isaiah Canales 175 - Jake Myers 69e - Alan Bernklau 395 - Nelson Soto
Junior 250 Main Event - 48 - Jose Navarrete
Mini 150 Main Event 22 - Ryder Schultz 175 - Morgan Myers 5 - Brandon Soto
Sidecar Main Event - 1 - Joe Jones/Tom Summers
The May 21 Jack Milne Cup at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds proved without a doubt that Disneyland is not the only Magic Kingdom in Orange County. Come judge for yourself cause the best thing about Speedway is you, the fans. You know the saying. The racers make the show and the fans make them go. Live the moment and savor the excitement.
I hate giving credits as I always forget a name or 10 but here are some of those deserving; Colton Udall, ticket taker & Infield - Faith Lukens, social media - Ian Young, infield manager and operations - Judy Loveland, ticket booth manager - Josh Loveland, Will Call. Jerry Lytton, John Creith, Daniel Moore, track prep - Tommy Garcia, ticket taker - Brittany Clarke, Ashley Hartman, Jenny Davis, ticket seller - Jean Fink and Jessi Dubuis back gate and scorekeepers - Melissa Ceideburg, T-Shirts. Mike Law and Adolph Beltran, pit parking / staff - Jack Straw, infield worker. Thank you all.
Also need to give a special heartfelt shoutout to the Gary and Sandra Hicks. A powerhouse in our sport both are suffering from health issues that severely limit mobility. 2022 will be the first year Sandra is not in the ticket booth & scoring and Gary not running the track entrance since the track opened in 1969. In a wheelchair and full-time oxygen, it was momentous that Sandra Hicks attended. Next time bring Gary and the two of you can have a wheelchair race.
Harley Night #1 will be Costa Mesa next race this Saturday June 4th. It will be spectacular. Be a hero and invite your neighbor or the gang from work to go with you. The nights action will be the talk of those around you as they relay the art of steering right to go left on two wheels.
More information and a complete 2022 race schedule at CostaMesaSpeedway.com.
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