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2024 Speedway New and ViewsThe Gumball Rally, Round 1, 2/24/24 by Howie Zechner
On a February evening with weather that would make the rest of the country jealous good friends, good times and Gumballs made the Thunderdome sing as Speedway motorcycle racing returned to the Industry Hills Expo Center. The first of a two day extravaganza on this night the program would feature the “Big Kids” with Division 1, Support and Sidecar events.
It’s a popular race with roots that go back over 40 years. First stated to celebrate our Junior/kids divisions that tradition would continue as they have their own race the following day. Far from the Gumballs that they originally raced for Sundays kids event would feature a purse of over ten thousand dollars. Arriving early with friends Billy Gray, and Ernie Aragon the months of planning, phone calls, and race preparation were obvious as the hard work Kelly Inman had done was on full display. The facility was spotless. Although still in the early afternoon the pits were already filled with competitors. Their colorful pop-up canopies made for a sight that could transform one’s imagination into “days of old, when knights were bold” in King Arthur’s Court. Each pop-up was covered with names, logos and sponsors that give credit to all involved.
Naturally bench racing was in full display as many shared stories from off season events, happenings and what the new year had brought. Others already had their race face on and were busy prepping bikes for the nights combat. Doing a walk about I took pictures while talking to the regulars and newbie's. It’s always an interesting study as some are there for the happening and comradery of their fellow racers and others just for the competition. Fact is for some the saying serious as a heart attack would not be an understatement.
Around 6pm things got serious. First a riders meeting where Kelly Inman welcomed and thanked all for being there followed by referee Steve Lucero laying out the rules. VIP guests were also introduced and a partial list would include Industry Mayor Cory Moss, World Speedway Champion Greg Hancock, Fast Fridays promoter Dave Joiner and Paul Cairns the new owner of England’s, Leicester stadium and the Lions Team. The clock struck seven when track announcer Terry Clanton started the rider introductions. When called each came out on the track and walked along the crash wall where fans and kids could say hello, do a hand shake and take a close up picture. As scheduled race one went off at 7:30. Surprise, surprise, surprise the first two events were Handicap races. For those not in the know that means rather than the normal Scratch event where each rider is lined up in a row next to each other behind the starting gate on Handicap the racers start is spread out in 10 yard apart positions. So those who are still on the learning curve or for whatever reason are not winning a lot are on the pole, those with a little better track record are in the middle and those that win a lot are all the way in the back. Sometimes as much as 50 yards. Needless to say these are very exciting races.
Cheers and jeers the nights remaining 35 events were outstanding. In a sport with machines powered by 500cc alcohol motors in a lightweight frame and no brakes every race has you sitting on the edge of your seat. I welcome all to visit the RAZ Video Facebook page and watch each race. or see all 280 pictures here.
Great News, Industry Racing will hold nine (9) race meets in 2024 with seven (7) on a Saturday and two (2) on a Wednesday. The season opener will be on Saturday June 1 We at Industry Racing are well aware how difficult the financial situation in America is right now and are doing everything we can to keep prices in check. Unfortunately we suffer the same as you with higher costs on most every everything. Our switch to Saturday nights can only succeed with your support. So please tell or better yet bring a friend or two and whenever possible use our sponsors cause they help pay the bills. My story, pictures and video’s from the Sunday February 25 Gumball meet will be posted soon. Stay tuned. Thanks for listening, See you where the wheels go round Howie Zechner Below is the official scoring from the 2/24/24 Big Kids Gumball Rally as well as a copy of the entire program.
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