Local Scene: Legends and Heroes night at Industry Hills Speedway

Do you have a favorite Industry racing event? Much like your kids or motorcycle, it’s hard to pick one, but for sure, Legends and Heroes Night is right there on the top. It has to be because it’s the one night a year when yesterday’s stars get top billing. Rightfully so, promoter Kelly Inman treats them like the Superstars they are.

It starts with the race program. Eight color pages that contain a picture of most. Real heroes like Barry Briggs, Billy Gray, Billy Meister, Bobby Schwartz, Bobby Tocco, Doug Nicol, Dubb Ferrell, Ernie Aragon, Ricky Miller, Tommy Burba, Mike Maely, Gene Gene the Dancin Machine, Rob Morrison, Pam Bennett, Jan Ballard, John Foster, Ryan Evans, Randy Blevins, Shawn McConnell, Steve Lucero, Danny Thompson, Terry Clanton, Sonny Nutter, Pete Pistone, Greg Haserot and others who will of course RAZ me for forgetting to post their names.

All mentioned were seated behind 10 tables with checkered flag coverings. Well laid out with a stand-up name, each spectator could see that they talked, touched, and got an autograph or picture of their favorite, although it seemed to me that all got equal love.

Then there are those special displays, like the Mike Lupo pop-up, which contained both the original prototype and second-generation Ken Maely Speedway bikes. And whoa, what about that outrageous machine 2007 Hillclimb World Champion Robie Peterson showcased?

I have to mention the 8x10 full-color Legends and Heroes plaque all who participated received. It's nice, a keepsake. I plan on displaying mine, just as I’m sure the others will.

Okay, let's talk racing. The full program included 37 separate events, including Speedway, Division 1, 2, and 3, along with Mimi 150cc, Pee Wee, and, of course, those insane 1000cc Sidecars.

Describing a Speedway race is a near-impossible task. Writing so and so got the gate or took the lead hardly does justice to a sport where riders race side by side in a small dirt oval on lightweight, high horsepower machines with no brakes. No, it seems that if you want to see lightning strike or experience the rain, you have to come to the storm.

Of course, not literally, as the Thunderdome is a covered arena, so no matter what Mother Nature supplies, you're safe and dry. The fact is, without a single bad seat, no matter where you sit, the action is in front of you.

Our announcer, Terry Ike Clanton, is one of the best. A former Speedway racer, the late great Bruce Flanders, trained him. Knowing the racers and action he’s likeable, delivers and is very popular.

Then there’s the food, drink, and two bars that mix almost any alcoholic beverage you desire. And money. Industry Racing is proud that it can deliver a full night of entertainment at a more than reasonable price.  Here’s their Facebook link; look for yourself. https://www.facebook.com/IndustryRacing

Did I mention the rider pit layout? Motorcycle racing is dangerous, so course insurance demands that we keep spectators out while the racing continues. Out and away are, however, two different things. A short four-foot fence along the pit side allows the spectator to see and experience everything happening. Also, riders go over to the fence and interact with those on the other side. Picture, autograph, no problem. Of course, the best part is that once the final race has been run, the pits are open, so you can walk right in.

So come and enjoy. It’s fun with a capital F.  Hope to see you there.

Enjoy all 135 pictures from 7/27/24:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=speedwayzar&set=a.8027770270591641

Video from Industry Racing and our sister track, Costa Mesa Speedway, can be seen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/508073082573528/

The golden boy at Industry AMA National Champion, Max Ruml, once again took home the gold. Below is the Legends and Heroes 7-27-24 scoring compliments of RC Jones and speedwaybike.com

Thanks for listening, see you where the wheels go round.

 Scratch Main Event
1 - Max Ruml
28 - Slater Lightcap
30n - Alex Martin
98 - Broc Nicol

Scratch Consolation
6 - Shawn McConnell
137 - Justin Almon
14 - Eddie Castro
7 - Austin Novratil (non starter)

Second Division Main Event
227 - Luke Whitcomb
178 - Eloy Medellin
37 - Joe Donaldson
182 - Rudy Laurer

Third Division Main Event (restart)
125 - Jason Wood
116 - Jeff Semmig
400 - Avant LeGarde (fell, remounted)
101 - Jake Scarborough (fell)

Mini 150 Main Event
22 - Ryder Schultz
175 - Morgan Myers
5 - Brandon Soto
44 - Brandon Kemmerly
169 - Kayd Fiore

Pee Wee Main Event
28 - Camden Morris
121 - Ozzy Duran
716 - Davie Reece
167 - Julian Anagnos
25 - Jett Ferré
204 - Daxton Reece
164 - Addie Summers
272 - Hayden Thurley
256 - Wayllon Gomez
89 - Koa Noopheng (fell)

Sidecar Main Event
13 - Emil Ovrid/Edward Ovrid
911 - Stuart Glass/Jack Straw
07 - Kevin Kale/Jennifer Hernandez
357 - Ace Kale/Brent Smith