Costa Mesa Speedway

Orange County Fairgrounds
Costa Mesa, California

John Matherson Cup
October 8, 2022 - Costa Mesa
Photos, story Howie Zechner, results by Ryan Evans

Eddie Castro, Bobby Schwartz, and Shawn McConnell win all their Heat Races. Castro finishes 1st in the Main with McConnell 2nd, Schwartz 3rd and Harold Hartke 4th. No I’m not hallucinating cause that’s exactly how this trip came down.

No question about it, last Saturdays October 8, 2022 racing had moves none could have foreseen. From riders to races there were challenges that make promoters cringe and crowds go wild. I’ll tell you all about it but first let’s talk about the program.

Harley Night Finals and the John Matherson Cup are well established traditions. Always fun to watch, it’s hard to judge whether two wheels or three are more lethal once the race face is on.

For sure the 1200 cc + heavy iron is scary as racers with names like the Taxi Driver from Hell, Blue Beard and the Skate Board Kid bring out everything from ape hanger dressers to striped down street rockets. Not accustomed to the small Costa Mesa Bullring circuit its mayhem that excites all. Crash’s, common, cost well hopefully not the body but some of these fancy rigs have more money in their paint jobs and chrome than we pay for a new Speedway bike.

Sidecars on the other hand are just plain evil. A challenge to control even the best have their hands full taming these four cylinder 1000cc monsters. They are mean race machines and everyone on the infield looks for cover when they race. But that’s what makes them so dam popular. No question about it, Sidecars are one hell of a show. FYI, on this night Sidecars destroyed the starting gate when they crashed into it in the main event. It was brutal but luckily there were no serious injuries. Can’t remember when we last did a flag start.

Named in his memory the John Matherson Cup celebrates the many accomplishments of the man whose moto was; Drive Fast, Take Chances. He and his company Mission Motorsports were the force that produced the Costa Mesa Sidecar program.

John truly loved Sidecar racing and devoted countless time, energy and money to its welfare. After his untimely passing on May 19, 2008 a decision to honor the Yamaha Sidecar legend with an annual Matherson Cup event was made. The rest is history as its popularity and longevity speaks for itself.

This week’s Speedway races were different as many riders went up north to compete in the USA vs the World event. Unfortunately for them that race was canceled because the fire department was using the Auburn Fairgrounds as a command center in those terrible forest fires they are battling. Not anyone’s fault as none could have known.

So what to do. Should promoter Oxley try and get some of the riders to come down south and race? Hell no Brad told me when asked. I put together a program with good racers and there is no way I would replace any who had already committed to racing here tonight.

Crazy or genius you have to hand it to Brad cause the racing was excellent. Everyone including D2 over performed. Fact is they all raced their hearts out. My compliments to all that competed and to you Brad Oxley. Your promotion was outstanding and the crowd loved the program.

As usual I took a couple of pictures (300+) so take a look on Facebook.

Videos are coming and will be posted on the Speedway America Facebook group soon.

Thank for Listening, See you where the wheels go round.

Howie Zechner, Press Officer

John Matherson Cup Final (restarted thrice)
7 - Joe Jones/Tom Summers
1 - Robert Curry/David Bernardo (penalty line)
357 - Ace Kale/Thomas Yergler (non-starter, restart)
88 - Wade Boyd/Eric Lindauer (non-starter, restart)

Sidecar Consolation
28 - Lawrence McNutt/Dana Miller
116 - Chris Jones/Johnny Glover
81 - Jeff Medberry/Mike North
07 - Kevin Kale/Tracy Gallagher

Scratch Main Event
14 - Eddie Castro
6 - Shawn McConnell
11 - Bobby Schwartz
290 - Harold Hartke

Scratch Consolation (restarted)
249 - John Wilder
168 - Mark Fillebrown (penalty line)
327 - Tyler Moszer
182 - Rudy Laurer

Second Division Main Event
123 - Jordan Vanderham
275 - Lawrence McNutt
106 - Isaiah Canales
349 - Dan Eddy

Second Division Consolation (restarted)
103 - Brent Smith
69e - Alan Bernklau
169 - Dan Wensloff
174 - Pat Hawley (non-starter, restart)
138 - Jim Sanders (non starter)