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News & Views – Industry Racing BBQ was Huge

Have you ever pictured it? A perfect day. Riders, promoters, 450 Speedway elite together celebrating our passion. Yea, OK, I'll say it. The Industry Racing BBQ was spectacular.

The sun was bright as I drove into the Industry Expo Center. No rain we dodged a bullet I thought while doing a outside pass on the RXMC motorhome. Wonder how many will come? The top of the hill told the story. 10am and already cars and motorhomes were jousting for position.

The Pavilion Ballroom never looked better. Displays and bikes along the north wall. Table setup being completed as Industry Hills Expo Center coffee mugs filled with 14X19" color posters and race schedule postcards were being placed in front of each of the 550 chairs. The stage adorned with several high def TV monitors and a Speedway bike on each end. All had been well thought out and it showed.

A promoters meeting was already in progress as I sat down at the table with Jason Bonsignore, Josh Larsen, Shawn McConnell, Chris Ackerman and Northern Ca Big Time Speedway promotion Steve and Steve. Steve Evans running late joined us later and Brad O was MIA. The meeting was productive as things like point fund money, a National Series and the AMA were discussed.

There was a long line waiting to get in when the doors opened at 1. It could have been ugly, rider and mechanic forms, stand here so we can take your picture. My compliments to a well prepared Industry Racing staff who made short work of the whole process.

Outside a large Speedway motorcycle exhibition included several strange machines. How about a JAWA with a Bultaco motor in it or maybe that one with a half a Harley motor. Hold on the wildest has to be that Laydown chopper. Never seen a Speedway bike that modified or with so much chrome.

Tables were filled and race talk was in overdrive as those attended helped themselves to free drink and a never ending supply of good eat stuff (must have had a dozen of those meatball things, yum).

Was happy when the band stopped at 2. They were good but to loud. Food was served. Tri Tip, Ribs and fixings were good. No better than good. It was bar none the best and most plentiful I have ever had when serving that many people (don't even get me started on the deserts).

Master of Ceremonies Bruce Flanders started with some introductions. Carol Perez thanked all for coming. Kelly Inman introduced the entire Industry Racing crew and talked about upcoming plans and the 2012 Lucky 13 race series that will be starting here in the Grand Arena on Wednesday May 30th. The promoters came up and told about their upcoming promotions and schedules.

The enthusiastic Speedway crowd listed and applauded all the VIPs Flanders brought to the stage but they went especially wild when he introduced former Gumball Winner Greg Hancock. The appearance of the World Speedway Champion had been kept low key so those attending where delighted by his surprise attendance.

Would like to acknowledge all who came but there are way to many of you. Probably be easier to say who was not there. Happy so many riders attended. Glad you all had a good time and as I said on stage. Speedway has been running here at the Grand for 10 years now and we take it's promotion very seriously.

All in all Sunday January 22, 2012 was a good day for Speedway. No arguments, no problems. A good start to a new Speedway Season.

Howie howie@razvideo.com (January 23, 2012)

News & Views – IMS Team Racing

The sun was shinning and we were smiling. Speedway was a hour away. Think this wind will be a problem Ed asked as we drove by a tractor trailer that had just blown over. Nah, it shouldn't be I replied as we swerved around the freeway in the wind.

We didn't care. Promoter Steve Evans had put together a Speedway Team Race at IMS that included a D3 North vs. South Team + a Junior Team + a D1/D2 Team and of course Pee Wee's.

Arriving at noon the place was hopping. Crazy Chris on the mike, team managers yelling at each other. It was plain to see something special was happening.

The track looked well prepared and promoter, rider, track prep guy Shawn McConnell did his best to keep it from drying out. In the end it turned into blue grove track. Hard and fast.

North vs. South D3 was first on the program. The North had a superior team that included Fast Fridays Speedway promoter Dave Joiner. Many heats and laps later the North won 54 to 34. They did it fair and square and should be commended not only for their excellent riding but also for making the 6+ hour drive each way to participate in Sundays event.

There were lots of Pee Wee and Juniors and they were next. The pits filled with past and present Speedway riders playing mechanic and coach to their Pee Wee or Junior offspring got them ready to go. It was wonderful watching Josh Larsen or Doug Nicol or Billy Hamill or Charlie Venegas or any of the other parents there interacting with their kids. Sometimes because we are so close to this sport and see so much of it we forget how much the kids benefit from this kind of get-together and competition. Today was not that day because the camaraderie that makes Speedway special was on full display.

I say with all sincerity the Juniors stole the show. The track suited them well and they were on. A na-nu na-nu to you all

Passing, crashes and loops made for lots of good D2/D1 Team Racing. Now I know this is Team racing but Buck Blair was on his game. Perfect with a win in each of his heats. The wins were even more meaning-full as the Bucks dad who came in from Colorado was there to witness them. That's not to say there weren't other fast guys there but the plain fact is Buck shone. It was pleasing to hear he will be riding the 2012 circuit.

So how was event? 48 or so heats, it went on way to long. The wind was brutal. There were no open concession stands.

On the other hand it was wonderful. However promoter Steve Evans does it the flavor of his events cannot be denied. I seriously doubt that there was one person that attended who did not have a great time and experience today. Sure the program needs to be tightened up but I suspect Steve is the man who can accomplish that.

Don't know when the next time Team Racing will be run here but when it does it's well worth a look.

Speaking of fun events I hope to see you all on the 22nd at the Industry Expo BBQ. That's two Sundays away.

Howie howie@razvideo.com (January 9, 2012)

News & Views – Perris - IMS - Christmas - YouTube

Kudos to Carrie Hancock on a very successful event last Saturday at Perris Speedway. The long track produced some great racing and a couple of controversial referee calls made for a memorable evening that has everyone talking. RAZ Video did do some taping and will be uploading both Semi races and the Main event on the speedwayzar YouTube channel next week. (Thank you Ed and Stephen).

Sunday afternoon at IMS was also a real treat. The day was beautiful as was the track. A intense main event had British riders Martin Dugard and Edward Kennett battling with Billy Hamill, Shawn McConnell and Neil Facchini. Edward Kennett who finished second the night before at Perris was smokin hot and won the first main of this IMS Winter Series.

Round Two of the IMS Winter Series is January 15, 2012 and the next Perris race is February 18. Both are afternoon races and a good chance to see some outstanding daytime battles. Schedules for these and all American Speedway track races can always be found at SpeedwayBikes.com.

The response you riders, mechanics, sponsors and promoters are giving to the upcoming Industry Racing Meet & Greet has been unbelievably positive. Thank you all for your enthusiastic support and kind words regarding the BBQ and upcoming "Lucky 13" racing season.

Sunday January 22, 2012 is the BBQ date and all you have to do is come with a good attitude because parking, admission, BBQ Tri Tip, drinks plus a live band and a 2012 general admission ticket to the Wednesday night show are all free to everyone as is a 2012 Industry Racing license for all riders who attend. More information about the upcoming BBQ may be found on the industryracing.com or SpeedwayBikes.com website.

A very Christmas and a Happy New Year from Kelly, Carol, myself and the entire Industry Racing staff.

Howie howie@industryracing.com (December 24, 2011)

News & Views - Who Says nothings Free

Be our Guest for a Free afternoon of Live Music, BBQ & Drink at Industry Racing's Meet & Greet BBQ Sunday, January 22, 2012

Held at Industry Hills Expo Center "Pavilion Ballroom, the big building next to the Grand Arena where you riders race it's scheduled to start at 1 and end at 4pm, it could be extended if we are really into it.

This event was huge when I helped organize it on January 13, 2008. A good time was had by all. Times and circumstances have kept that from happening again till now. It's back and it's better than ever (more budget, thanks Carol Perez).

Everything is free. Here is what you can expect.

Parking, of course. Admission no charge for all riders, mechanics and sponsors. Hey don't come by yourself, bring the family or best girl or your sponsor that you always wanted to take to a classy Speedway event that shows off our wonderful sport. Look over the improvements we are making on the Grand Arena. Walk the new track. Don't know if the crash wall will be finished in time. That could go either way.

Free Lunch will be BBQ Tri Tip. Soda, water, of course. A beer bar, you bet. Free, well let's just say Industry Racing will buy the first couple of rounds.

To thank you for attending every rider and mechanic there gets a free admission ticket voucher that can be used on any night during our 2012 Lucky 13 season.

Hold on we're not done. Sign up to ride for the 2012 season and we will give you the Industry Racing track license free. Plus a rule book and poster. So let me repeat, any rider who attends the BBQ and signs up for the 2012 season while at the BBQ will get their Industry Racing license free. On top of that we will take your headshot. Plans are in the works to use them in a slick rider introduction that will do you proud when you see the finished video product. You must be at the BBQ in person to be eligible for this free license offer.

So Let's talk Speedway. Voice your opinion and concerns. Kelly, Carol, myself, we are there to make you all comfortable with the fact that we plan to promote a first class Speedway program. Lets work together so Wednesday Night Speedway Racing becomes a event we all are proud of and look forward to being at.

Brad, Jaleen, Shawn, Robynn, Jason, Steve, Carrie bring your propaganda and promote your track and dates. Come up to the microphone and say hello. Push your own agenda. Industry Racing stands ready and willing to help promote your Speedway venues in any way possible.

Attendees should be aware that the Industry Hills Expo Center in cooperation with Industry Racing has invited several potential sponsors that have expressed a interest in rider sponsorship for the 2012 season. They will be looking over the field so a professional appearance and attitude may get you more that a delicious meal and good time.

If we the Speedway community play our cards right we could start a annual event that would be held every January here at the "Pavilion Ballroom. A real Speedway Banquet for all the tracks. Think about the possibilities.

We are all in this sport together and together we can. See you there. And thanks again for supporting American Speedway.

Howie Zechner
Industry Racing Press Officer howie@industryracing.com
Speedway Fan and more.

Appreciate you listening.
Any rider wishing to display their Speedway Bike is welcome to do so. E-mail me for details.
Any sponsor wishing to display their banner we welcome. E-mail me for details.

howie@razvideo.com (December 16, 2011)

News & Views – Inman named Director of Speedway

Former Expo Center Co-Promoter Kelly Inman named Race Director of Speedway Motorcycle Racing at the Industry Hills Grand Arena

The apple didn't fall far from the tree. Mom Shirley ran the pits at Ascot, Costa Mesa and Glen Helen for 28 years. Dad Bob sold parts at the track, pitted for Allen Christian and sponsored Billy Hamill in the early days of his European career; Inman is a respected name in Speedway racing. Continuing the family tradition Kelly's credentials are just as impeccable.

- 1968 - Started going to Speedway with mom and dad
- 1969 - Gene Woods moves in next door. At 14 he becomes Woods pit man.
- 1982 - First 500cc bike. Practices daily with local racer and friend Greg Hancock at Indian Dunes. Their 35-year-old friendship remains true.
- 1984 – Races Speedway four nights a week and ICE in the off-season.
- 1989 - Seriously injured during Handicap Main event at Ascot ends racing career.
- 1991 – Starts sponsoring riders.
- 1992 – Starts pitting full time. Works with Steve Russell, Scotty Brant, Chris Manchester, Greg Hancock, Kelly Moran, Josh Larsen, Jason Crump, and Tyson Burmeister. Puts ten U.S. National titles under his belt as the mechanic.
- 1993 to 1998 - Races Pro Formula 125 shifter carts
- 1998 - Races Sprint cars at Irwindale Speedway
- 1999 - Races Sprint cars at Perris Auto Speedway
- 1996-1999 – Team Manager X Factory Top Fuel Hydro Boat.
- 1999 – Races "Ultra Wheels" spec trucks
- 2005 -2006 - Speedway Co-Promoter at The Grand, City of Industry.

Currently runs Specialized Powder and Ceramic Coating

Kelly Inman will be in charge of The Lucky 13 Races stating May 30, 2012. Come join us for a whole new experience at America's premier Speedway facility.

For further information contact:
Howie Zechner 626.449.1175, howie@razvideo.com (December 5, 2011)