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Costa Mesa SpeedwayOrange County Fairgrounds Costa Mesa Spring Classic – Jack Milne Cup – May 12, 2018
A tradition years in the making for us old timers the Costa Mesa Spring Classic marks the official start of the Speedway season. It attracts the best racers because a win at the "Bullring" is a notch in the belt and a prized achievement.
It means the fan faithful and newbie will flock the Fairground for cheer and beer and thrills galore. A guaranteed good time this year more special as the tracks half century status has now arrived.
Could it be? Had 50 years really slipped by since Jack Milne and Harry Oxley brought Speedway Motorcycle racing to Costa Mesa. Well true that cause time tells the tale and today we honor their achievements. This first race of every season hosts the Jack Milne Cup to celebrate the man and legend.
Brad Oxley and crew pulled out all the stops to commemorate the occasion. Freshly painted bleachers, stands, concession booths, and signage, the place was spotless. A multitude of large picture banners designed and manufactured by Tod Peterson and Team Swolen were a visual treat and big hit as many stopped to get their pictures next to them. Hung up most everywhere the ticket booth, entrance gates, fences, walls and grandstand bleachers were a art gallery of the VIPs and Superstars that raced there.
Lots of rare and older Speedway bikes were also on display. The Hicks family brought the Jack Milne World Championship bike as well as the one his brother Cordy Milne raced. Pictures, newspaper and history articles were also housed under their distinctive blue and white canopy.
In the pits two other JAP machines supplied by Gary Hicks were used in a special half-time exhibition match race between "Fast" Eddie Castro and "Mad Dog" Shawn McConnell.
Cody Racing also had a booth. Nice to see how aggressive Bobby has been on promoting the business since dad Bill retired. No one can doubt his commitment after the top notch Museum 41 event he held at the shop last month. More info on Cody Racing at: https://www.speedwaybikes.com/cody/. See all the Museum 41 pictures and story at: www.facebook.com/speedwayzar/
So-Cal Cycle Swap Meet also had a display. Arguably the leader in the Southern California motorcycle swap meet business many don't know the Topping family roots to Speedway and Costa Mesa. Racer/Sponsor/Advertiser/Supporter they fill the bill on each. More info at: www.socalcycleswapmeet.com
Bright shinny white crash walls and blue racing trim the race track layout was just as impressive. Weeks of wheel packing and preparation made for a smooth well groomed decomposed granite battlefield that stayed consistent all evening. Even the previous days rain did not hurt it as the racing was fast and furious.
What else is newsworthy? Well the riders meeting was really special. Beside the normal do this and don't do this instructions given to the racers promoter Brad Oxley spent some time talking about his dad Harry, Jack Milne and the whole family involvement in Costa Mesa Speedway. He thanked those there and those that had been for all their years of support. Heartfelt and well delivered the riders applauded their approval of Brad's moving tribute.
"Good on Ya" accolades to announcer Terry "Ike" Clanton. As always T.C. never missed a beat all night. Being a former Speedway racers himself Terry brings an insight to his commentary that is enjoyable and accurate. His "which grandstand is the most popular" and "feet rumble" are staples of the Saturday night show and the crowd loves it.
Costa Mesa Track Announcer Terry "Ike" Clanton Sandi Johnson Weidler and her flawless performance of the Star Spangled Banner was a treat. The girl can sing and the only thing hotter was the racing. Just part of the larger picture the plain fact is the staff at Costa Mesa have their act together. Big boss Jaleen Oxley, Ryan Evans the number man, Sandy Hicks and Jean Fink doing scoring, referee Steve Lucero, starter John Creith, Gary Hicks running the back gate, and the list goes on. Each with a masters degree in Speedway and keeping an event fair, moving and memorable they are the secret sauce that makes it all look easy.
Old timers, I mean legends were there in force. Bruce Penhall, Dubb Ferrell, Jim Fishback,Billy Gray, Jan Ballard and Billy Meister are just a few of that come to mind. Each armed With stories and memories it hard to keep moving and visit with others.
The racing was outstanding and the cooler weather and threat of rain did not keep the masses from attending. Glad to see that Billy Janniro will be competing at Costa Mesa all season but I'm sure he was less than pleased not to make the main. Speaking of the main it was a slugfest with Austin Novratil winning over Broc Nicol, Tyson Burmeister and Aaron Fox. An outstanding battle it could have finished differently several times over. Juniors also showed they will be tomorrows next Speedway stars with some phenomenal rides. Congratulations 250cc Main Event Winner Jake Isaac and Slater Lightcap, and Luke Whitcomb who finished in a close 2nd and 3rd. Also kudos to Hayley Perrault as the young lady captured the D2 Consi win.
On this first race of their season the sidecars as always were a big hit. They're racing highly competitive bumping and crowding have become commonplace as their big 1000cc machines produce evermore horsepower. Coupled with a take no prisoners style they are spectacular and very popular. Congratulations Sidecar Main winners Dillon Osborne/Ashley Gibbons who won an unbelievable battle over the #1 team of Joe Jones/Tom Summers. Third was Jeff Rowe/Josh Bennett with paraplegic driver Bryan Motis and his swinger Johnny Bach for fourth.
FYI: Have you seen Costa Mesa Speedways new book "Celebrating 50 Years of Speedway?" Sold for the first time at the Spring Classic it features pictures and commentary on Harry, Jack, Briggo, Ivan, Penhall, and others along with all the stars and legends that raced Costa Mesa. Articles written by the Oxley and Hicks Family, Scott Daloisio, Jean Fink, Howie Zechner and others fill its 72 pages. I cannot say enough good things about its content and layout. The best part is the books only cost $20. Copies will be available at the track all season long or by Priority Mail (USA only) for and additional $8.00. Only 1000 have been printed so if you snooze you lose on this remarkable publication and collectors item. To order send your check for $28.00 to International Speedway, PO Box 3334, San Clemente CA. 92674
Last but not least I have to share my Murphy's law "whatever can go wrong, will go wrong"adage from the 2018 Spring Classic. The drive, weather, parking, entering all normal. Then tragedy struck. Out of the blue and for no apparent reason my camera commits suicide. DOA it's a goner leaving me with only my I-Phone 7 for pictures. Now I'm old school and clueless about how to use the dam thing. Long story longer I used it, I like it and with a few changes may make it my primary devise. Images are clean and other than dropping the dam thing a couple of times cause you have to hold it so differently and a battery issue that limited my picture taking at this event I see no downside. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks after all.
Speedway Rocks. Be a part of it and support the track. It's a time tested formula that makes old-timers young and entertains all. Bring the family or bring a friend to the party interrupted by a race every few minuets. For the full 2018 Costa Mesa Speedway schedule visit: http://costamesaspeedway.net/#schedule All 225 pictures of the 2018 Costa Mesa Spring Classic – Jack Milne Cup at: www.facebook.com/speedwayzar/media Below are the finishing order of all Speedway and Sidecar classes from this years Classic Thanks for listening Results below from Ryan Evans Sidecar Consolation Sidecar Main Event Mini 150 Main Event Junior 250 Main Event Third Division Main Event Second Division Consolation Second Division Main Event Scratch Consolation Scratch Main Event
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Sandy Hicks is the daughter of Cordy Milne and Jack Milne's niece
