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An Icon in His Own Right, Hamill Breaks Through with a Big Win on “Legends Night” at Industry Racing
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. (June 13, 2014) – The 2014 motorcycle speedway season resumed at Industry Racing on June 11 for “Legends Night,” which marked the third week of Wednesday night action. The Grand Arena was filled with many of the most influential individuals in speedway history, 31 in all, who were on hand to be honored for their contributions. This legendary group also signed autographs and posed for pictures with the eager spectators who were delighted to meet their heroes of yesteryear. Among the legends in attendance were two-time World Speedway Champion Bruce Penhall, Bobby “Boogaloo” Schwartz, Sonny Nutter and Rick Miller.
As promised with motorcycle speedway racing, there was no lack of speed, excitement and close racing in all divisions during the third night of the 2014 season. The full slate of competition offered new winners, continued streaks and first time Main Event appearances. With Billy Janniro absent after taking home the First Division checkered flag for two consecutive weeks, rival Billy “The Bullet” Hamill and defending California State Champion, Charlie “The Edge” Venegas, looked to capitalize as a new winner would be crowned. This week presented some new faces in the Scratch Main Event in Janniro’s absence, creating room for added competition. With “Mad” Max Ruml making his first Main Event appearance and Hamill seeking his first win on the season, the fastest four expectedly put on a good show for the crowd. Venegas drew the upper hand as he got first choice for starting positions with Hamill next in line, each starting the Main Event unbeaten. Prior to the race start Hamill fell victim to bike problems, which forced him to bring out a spare motorcycle for the most important race of the evening. As the tape rose, Ruml got a great start and held the early lead in his 2014 Main Event debut. However, the speed and experience of Hamill kept him alongside the youngster throughout the first three laps and permitted him to power around the outside coming to the white flag and close the door on Ruml and ensure his first victory of the season to cap off a perfect night. A late pass late on the final lap allowed Venegas to sneak past Ruml on the inside to post back-to-back runner-up efforts. The breathtaking four laps brought the crowd to its feet in admiration. Scratch Main Event (First Division)
The Scratch Consolation housed racing fit for the Main Event, making for an exciting end to the evening. Broc Nicol gated Shawn McConnell as he was able to maintain his lead around the outside. The duo battled right to the checkered flag with Nicol edging out the veteran McConnell by inches. The photo finish revealed that Nicol was able to put just enough power down around the outside to capture the win. With Nicol being victorious, it made for the third different winner of the Scratch Consolation in as many weeks. Scratch Consolation
With yet another new winner in the Second Division, Davey Shaw was able to grab two good starts following a restart to capture his first Main Event win of the season. Shaw became just the second different winner in the Second Division this season. Second Division Main Event
Trying to make their mark in the Third Division, Ricky Richards and Lewis Hughes put on quite the show as the two racers battled it out for the top spot. Richards made an aggressive pass to take the lead from Hughes, providing the third new winner in the Third Division Main Event for 2014. Third Division Main Event
The Junior 250 Division saw Dillon Ruml seeking back-to-back wins coming into the Main Event. After getting a good gate, Ruml showed his consistency and was able to take home another win as budding rival Kurtis Hamill followed behind in second. Junior 250 Main Event
Sebastian Palmese has won two of the first three Mini 150 First Division Main Events of the season and on Wednesday it was evident that he had the upper hand on the competition. Starting the race with a handicap, Palmese slowly tracked down leader Tristan Britt before Britt washed out, causing Palmese to almost lose control as he tried to get around the fallen racer. With two completed laps the officials called for a restart, this time without Britt in the starting lineup. After the start Palmese overtook Jake Isaac for first and carried it through to victory. Mini 150 First Division Main Event
With each rider having their fair share of problems throughout the night, the Mini 150 Second Division Main Event gave Keelan Venegas the chance to expand his winning record. After Luke Whitcomb was leading for the first two laps, a crash caused the red flag to be brought out and a restart to occur. The second time around, Venegas got the start and created a large gap between he and second place to get the win and secure his second straight victory. Mini 150 Second Division Main Event
Trying to keep his undefeated streak alive, Travis Horn was set to start the Pee Wee Main Event with a large handicap over the rest of the racers. After making his way around the competition before completion of the first lap, Horn finished a straightaway ahead of the trailing second place finisher, Rachel Schnakenberg, with Jose Navarrete following closely behind. Horn is the only rider at Industry Racing with a perfect 3-0 start to the 2014 season. Pee Wee Main Event
"Legends Night" Honorees
The 2014 Industry Racing season continues next Wednesday, June 18, for what is sure to be another great night at Southern California’s only fully AMA-sanctioned speedway facility. Gates open at 6 p.m. PST while racing kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PST. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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