Well known, loved and respected It is with much sadness I report that Gary Hicks Sr died last night. A lifetime motorcycle devotee as a young man #150 Gary Hicks raced Speedway and worked at Jack Milne’s shop, Mason Motors in Pasadena where he learned the craft that would make him one of the most sought after race bike builders in America.

Married to the daughter of Jack’s brother Cordy Milne, he and wife Sandra have four children. Heavily involved with Speedway like their mom and dad Gary Hicks Jr., Jessica Hicks, Bonnie Hicks, and Kenneth Hicks have all left their mark on the sport as riders, officials and builders. A racing family indeed they adopted Speedway racers Mike Reed and Tony Lantorno who lived in their home and learned from the best. Now a new generation continues the tradition as their oldest Grandson Kyle has raced the sport and under the guidance of Gary Hicks Senior become a 1st rate master bike and motor builder.

Friends had been concerned about Gary health for quite some time so his passing was not totally unexpected. Normally a Speedway regular at Costa Mesa and Industry, Gary stopped going. Then for the second year in a row he missed the Trailblazers Banquet and Hot Shoe Hall of Fame gathering.

At home but confined to a hospital bed Gary’s condition continued to deteriorate. For over a year he could not stand or move. Doctors had no answers or if they did Gary did not share them. Looking scruffy and losing weight Gary’s voice was still strong so those that called had no clue on how grave the situation was.

Sandra did all she could to take care of him but she also is having health issues and is on oxygen 24/7. With the help of her good friend Susan Foley she did attend the first race of the 2023 season at Costa Mesa, Titled the Jack Milne Cup this annual event is a big deal and every year the Hicks family sets up a big pop-up canopy and displayed the JAP bikes ridden when Jack won the 1937 World Champion and his brother Cordy placed third.

Rest in peace Gary Hicks Sr. Friends and Speedway will miss you more than mere words can express. But know this, whenever dirt showers us as a bike slides sideways through the corner or a rider needs help cause his machine is not right we will sing your praises and thank the lord for the time we had together and the devotion you gave to your Speedway brothers and sisters.

With love and respect, your friend Howie Zechner

Gary Hicks Sr. Celebration of Life 6/17/23

I’m sure Gary Hicks was smiling down from heaven when he witnessed the massive amount of people that invaded the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds to honor his passing. A man of few words in my mind I could imagine him joking that only his death could bring that many of his relatives and friends together. Of course that would not be accurate as Gary Hicks was much admired and respected by all who had the honor of knowing this great man.

The news of Gary’s passing on May 6 was a shock to all but his closest who had witnessed the decline in his health. They were concerned when Gary stopped doing the things he loved like coming to the races, the Trailblazers Banquet and Hot Shoe Hall of Fame presentation. A struggle for life every day it was the love and caring of wife Sandra and the kids that kept him going. Still Gary was optimistic and would tell anyone who called things were getting better and he would soon be back in the shop handling business.

His skill as a Speedway mechanic and historian is well documented. Need a motor rebuilt, or a full restoration Gary was your man. Want some background on riders or tracks from the 3rd rebirth of Speedway in California and America or earlier Gary could fill in the blanks or send you to someone who knew. No question that Speedway will suffer now that he is no longer with us.

I was in total shock when I heard the news promoters Brad and Jaleen Oxley relayed. Speedway and the Costa Mesa track were home to both Gary and wife Sandra. Here from the beginning when Jack Milne and Harry Oxley dreamed and them made it a reality Gary was vital part of the collaboration. Every week, every season he and Sandra were here handling most every job that needed doing.

International Speedway wanted to do a memorial celebration as soon as they heard the news but with Sandra’s own health issues and the shock of losing Gary it was not possible. All were worried as Sandra stopped answering phone calls or reaching out in any manner. Then thank you lord she sent a text. Yes, Sandra was ready to face the world. Her first outing would be at the opening night at Industry. Promoter Kelly Inman and Press Officer Howie Zechner quickly made the decision that the event would be renamed the AMA Gary Hicks, Speedway National Series Qualifier.

Being out in public helped. It was good for Sandra. Now finally she embraced allowing Brad and Jaleen to do a full tribute.

Immediately a Celebration of Life was planned for the next Costa Mesa race date on June 17. Open to all Hicks family and friends it would include a BBQ with hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks between 2 and 4pm in the Speedway pits next to the track. Then before the evenings competition began Racers For Christ, Reverend Greg Wangler would give a eulogy that would be followed by a moment of silence. Then a special plaque would be presented to Sandra and finally Gary Hicks Jr would announce the “Gentleman Start your engines before the first race was run.

Everything went perfectly. Lots to eat and drink under a half dozen pop up canopies filled with chairs and tables. Sandra sat in her wheel chair under the Hicks branded pop-up with good friend and constant companion Susan Foley and most of the Hicks family. Not all locals many flew in from all corners of America. It was a tremendous showing of love and support.

A wonderful gathering all involved should be proud of their contribution that made the Gary Hicks Sr. Celebration of Life so special.

Proud to call you a friend Gary Hicks and thank you.

Howie Zechner