1996 Costa Mesa Speedway

April 26, 1996 Costa Mesa Speedway
From: Gary Roberts

Scratch Main

1. Gary Hicks
2. Brad Oxley
3. John Aden
4. Jerry Black
5. Shawn McConnell

Support Main

1. Ken Bauer
2. Charlie Cooley
3. Tony Wood
4. Rick Pearce
Jeremy O'Neil and Danny Holt qualified for this race but were non starters.

Handicap Main

1. Gary Hicks
2. Brad Oxley
3. Steve Lucero
4. Shawn McConnell
5. John Aden
6. David Taylor
7. Steve Furman
8. Randy Skinner

Another entertaining evening at Costa Mesa, with a lot of very close racing. It was good to see Gary Hicks win. He rides consistently well, but the results often don't reflect his abilities. Even his scratch win did not come easily. At the time when he was awarded the win, he was face down at the exit of turn 4. Shawn McConnell is known for his skills at recovering from what lesser riders would not be able to get away with. This time, McConnell was running close second, behind Hicks. After finding traction coming out of turn 4, his front wheel came down on Hicks's back wheel, bringing both of them down heavily. McConnell was rightly put back to last place in the results.

The support class races were full of action too. There is now a full support A and B program. One support B race included 8 riders, some with more enthusiasm than skill, which on a 180 yard track presented a challenge to all concerned. It reminded me a of a practice session I went to a few years ago. 10 riders on the track, 4 upright, with one going the wrong way!

We are still looking for a drinking establishment to go to, after the races. Since the Fox and Furkin has closed, we are at a total loss. Has anyone any ideas, please?

Gary Roberts - gary_rob@ix.netcom.com