Costa Mesa Speedway
Orange County Fairgrounds
Costa Mesa, California
Jack Milne Cup
May 21, 2022 - Costa Mesa
Report and Photo by Ryan Evans
Three starts to complete the Jack Milne Cup Final.
Gate 1 - Gate 4: Billy Janniro, Max Ruml, Gino Manzares, Slater Lightcap.
The finish was Ruml, Manzares, Janniro (fell, excluded), Lightcap (fell, excluded).
2022 Jack Milne Cup - Costa Mesa, CA, USA - May 21
After an agonizingly long 954 days since the previous event, speedway racing returned to the world famous Costa Mesa Speedway in a giant way as an overflow crowd witnessed the Jack Milne Cup.
Costa Mesa Speedway had been dark since COVID-19 restrictions eliminated the 2020 season. Hope for a financially feasible 2021 season were dashed because being located on a fairgrounds created stricter restrictions and social distancing that would’ve limited the number of fans who could attend.
There was a palpable buzz in the pits and in the stands in anticipation of racing. The atmosphere only intensified as the stands continued to be filled to the point that there was only standing room available. It hearkened back to the halcyon days of yesteryear when Costa Mesa was routinely filled to capacity with fans. Many racers commented that it was nice to finally race speedway in Southern California in front of more than just a handful of people and that it was more people than all other speedway events in Southern California combined in the last two years.
The competitors who walked out to pick their starting position for the Jack Milne Cup Final were “Mad” Max Ruml, defending National Champion Billy “The Kid” Janniro, Gino Manzares, and 16-year-old Slater Lightcap, who was the only racer of the four to have not won this event. Ruml had first choice of starting position and confidently picked gate two. Janniro quickly chose gate one. Manzares surprised a few people by selecting gate three which left Lightcap to start against the wall in gate four.
Ruml leapt to the front when the tapes went up and held a comfortable lead when Lightcap went down and brought out the red flag. The teenager was excluded for the restart. Ruml led from the tapes again but Janniro went down while trying to chase down the leader forcing Manzares to lay down his machine and force another restart, this time without Janniro. The Final had come down to a match race to determine the winner and it was Ruml leading for the third time and calmly holding back Manzares from start to finish and claimed the Jack Milne Cup for the third time.
The earned-handicap format was utilized for the three rounds of heats. As has become customary for the Jack Milne Cup, there weren’t any semis so any mistake would be magnified with the top four going directly to the Final.
Ruml opened the First Division heats with a victory over Randy DiFrancesco who was returning to racing on a regular basis for the first time in over a decade. Youth National Champion Alex Martin won his first-ever Costa Mesa heat on a 500 by defeating Michael Raines. Janniro opened his Costa Mesa campaign by beating fellow Northern Californian Blake Borello. Manzares closed out the first round with a win ahead of Costa Mesa debutante Rees Todd.
Lightcap began round two with a win ahead of DiFrancesco. Former National Champion Aaron Fox defeated Janniro and Manzares in the next event. Ruml went through traffic to win his second heat in a row. Borello beat Todd and Wells to end the second round.
Lightcap started the final round of heats with his second consecutive win. Martin won his second heat by defeating Manzares who had started 10 yards behind. Ruml passed and defeated Janniro to remain the only undefeated racer. McConnell closed out the heats with a victory over Todd.
Ruml and Janniro filled two places in the Final but five racers were tied for the last two spots. Manzares and Lightcap finished one-two and qualified for the Final while Martin, DiFrancesco, and Todd would join Borello in the Consolation.
Martin led all four laps to win the Scratch Consolation with Borello getting second and Todd finishing third.
New York native Jonny Oakden, who moved to Southern California to compete on their circuit, took the lead in the Second Division Main Event. He led for a lap before Justin Almon slipped by. Oakden tried to regain the lead but Almon held him off for the win. Oakden settled for second, Harold Hartke was third, and Tyler Moszer was credited with fourth.
Isaiah Canales’s Costa Mesa debut provided him some hardware after winning the Third Division Main Event. Jake Myers finished second, Alan Bernklau was third, and Nelson Soto finished fourth.
The three mini 150s and the only Junior 250 were combined into one group but scored separately. Jose “Nitro” Navarrete was the lone 250 competitor and rode four smooth laps to win. Ryder Schultz was the victor amongst the 150s with Morgan Myers finishing second and Brandon Soto getting third.
National Sidecar Champions Joe Jones and Tom Summers led all four laps en route to victory in the Sidecar Main Event. Ace Kale and Thomas Yergler finished second, Kevin Kale and Tracy Gallagher were third, and Kevin Holman and Demetri Class finished fourth.
The Jack Milne Cup honors the 1937 World Speedway Champion who was instrumental in the founding and promotion of Costa Mesa Speedway. He was a fixture at the venue until his passing in 1995. He has been an inspiration to many American speedway racers over the years. The trophy given to the winner has the Queen’s Coronation Cup that Milne was presented when he won his world title.
The giant crowd showed how much speedway racing has been missed at the iconic venue. Promoters Brad and Jaleen Oxley and their behind-the-scenes crew at International Speedway, Inc. were rewarded for all their efforts to make sure that this evening came to fruition. Racers and fans are hopeful that the large crowds will be routine during this 2022 season and beyond.
Jack Milne Cup Final (restarted twice)
5 - Max Ruml
24 - Gino Manzares
1 - Billy Janniro (fell, excluded)
28 - Slater Lightcap (fell, excluded)
Scratch Consolation
30n - Alex Martin
27 - Blake Borello
173 - Rees Todd
12 - Randy DiFrancesco (non starter)
Second Division Main Event
137 - Justin Almon
309 - Jonny Oakden
290 - Harold Hartke
327 - Tyler Moszer (fell)
Second Division Consolation
296 - Andrew Russell
168 - Mark Fillebrown
163 - Ron Davis
118 - Rohn Zellner (retired)
Third Division Main Event
106 - Isaiah Canales
175 - Jake Myers
69e - Alan Bernklau
395 - Nelson Soto
Junior 250 Main Event
48 - Jose Navarrete
Mini 150 Main Event
22 - Ryder Schultz
175 - Morgan Myers
5 - Brandon Soto
Sidecar Main Event
1 - Joe Jones/Tom Summers
357 – Ace Kale/Thomas Yergler
07 – Kevin Kale/Tracy Gallagher
11 – Kevin Holman/Demetri Class
Jack Milne Cup Scoring 1 2 3 T
1 – Billy Janniro 3 2 2 7
5 – Max Ruml 3 3 3 9
6 – Shawn McConnell 1 Nr 3 4
7 – Austin Novratil Nr - - 0
11 – Bobby Schwartz 0 0 1 1
12 – Randy DiFrancesco 2 2 2 6
14 – Eddie Castro 1 2 1 4
24 – Gino Manzares 3 1 2 6
27 – Blake Borello 2 3 0 5
28 – Slater Lightcap E 3 3 6
30n – Alex Martin 3 F 3 6
37 – Joey Donaldson 1 1 0 2
46 – Aaron Fox 0 3 1 4
60 – David Clark 1 1 N 2
173 – Rees Todd 2 2 2 6
214 – Michael Wells 2 1 1 4
Heat Results
1: Ruml, DiFrancesco, McConnell, Schwartz
2: Martin, Wells, Donaldson, Fox (fell, remounted)
3: (restarted) Janniro, Borello, Castro (penalty line), Lightcap (engine failure)
4: (restarted) Manzares, Todd, Clark, Novratil (non starter – restart)
8: Lightcap [0], DiFrancesco [20], Clark [10], Martin [30] (fell)
9: (restarted) Fox [0], Janniro [30], Manzares [30], McConnell [10] (non starter – restart)
10: Ruml [30], Castro [10], Donaldson [0]
11: Borello [20], Todd [20], Wells [20], Schwartz [0]
18: Lightcap [30], DiFrancesco [20], Schwartz [0], Donaldson [10]
19: Martin [0], Manzares [10], Fox [30], Borello [30] (fell, remounted)
20: Ruml [30], Janniro [20], Castro [20], Clark [10] (non starter)
21: (awarded) McConnell [0], Todd [20], Wells [10] (fell)
Runoff: Manzares, Lightcap, Martin, DiFrancesco [10], Todd (fell, remounted)
Past Jack Milne Cup Winners
1998 – Bobby Schwartz
1999 – Gary Hicks
2000 – Charlie Venegas
2001 – Gary Hicks
2002 – Scott Brant
2003 – Scott Brant
2004 – Mike Faria
2005 – Mike Faria
2006 – Charlie Venegas
2007 – Mike Faria
2008 – Bobby Schwartz
2009 – Shawn McConnell
2010 – Shawn McConnell
2011 – Mike Faria
2012 – Billy Janniro
2013 – Billy Janniro
2014 – Billy Hamill
2015 – Max Ruml
2016 – Austin Novratil
2017 – Gino Manzares
2018 – Austin Novratil
2019 – Max Ruml
From Howie Zechner
Jack Milne Cup – Costa Mesa 5/21/22
Stupendous. Colossal, Magnificent, Breathtaking… After a two year absence Speedways return to the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds was one for the record books. Attendance, rider participation, a well-groomed race track, perfect.
The momentum had been building for months. Social media and press releases reminded all that after an absence of 954 days, Saturday night Speedway racing was back.
It wasn’t easy. Grandstands were removed and had to be put back. The racetrack had been used as a parking lot so everything from a dirt/DG surface to the crash walls, concession stands, ticket booths and so on all needed to be brought out of storage and in several cases fully rebuilt. Naturally everything needed a couple of coats of paint and lots of TLC. All in all it represented a lot of work and man-hours.
Now that was the easy part cause even from the closures beginning Brad had been fighting for dates. Fair boards, county employees, state officials, permits, fire department inspections, an evacuation plan and the list goes on. We love them all and appreciate their cooperation but they are a pain in the ass that require a lot of energy and time.
Fortunately Brad learned from the best, his dad Harry Oxley. Called the Godfather of American Speedway he along with 1937 World Speedway Champion, Jack Milne first brought racing to the Orange County fairground 53 years ago. Possibly the challenges were not as stringent then as now but like everything in life, we deal with it.
Like a child who progresses in his schooling the playground a young Brad Oxley use to run around in turned into the grunt work Harry needed done to management and now promoter. Throw in being a top D1 racer with two National Championship titles and his time racing overseas, there are none who can argue that Brad has earned his Master degree in Speedway and Promotion.
Of course it’s a family affair as Brads better half Jaleen and the rest of the Oxley clan do more than they receive credit for. They are the backbone of a superb team who’s hard work and dedication are just one more layer that allows Speedway to flourish in a world that embraces the word no.
Perfect weather, Ken Williams and I arrived way early for opening night. No bikes yet in the pits with the exception of one, the #11 Boogaloo Bobby Schwartz machine. All set up in its usual spot with toolbox, chairs and fuel all laid out. It was ready and yearning for the nights action.
Still a million different loose ends that needed a final touch Brad and Jaleen were going crazy. No real hiccups but much like in Alice in Wonderland where the White Rabbit says I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!" they were running at max horsepower.
Slowly things mellowed. Speedway and sidecar riders arrived as did announcer Terry Clanton, referee Steve Lucero, clipboard Ryan Evans and scorers Jean Fink and Jessi DuBois. By the time the clock got to 5pm the pits were ready for racing. Everyone celebrating each other’s company their time was well spent as they waited for qualifying and the lower division racers to begin at 6 pm.
Things outside the arena were not as calm. The hardcores were lined up well before the gates opened at 5:30. Once open there was a calm in the storm till about 6:15 when what seemed like every Speedway fan in California showed up. Two lines opposite of each other went on forever. Like the old days when a Costa Mesa sellout was a weekly occurrence this night would set attendance records that rival yesteryear.
The arena was packed as everyone squeezed together. No issues it was harmony and all cherished the comradery that makes the fans and sport so special. Some danced as the Rock & Roll band Dirty Water played while others took in the vintage Speedway bikes display. Others just drifted from one corner to another saying hello to friends and making new one. It was without a doubt a happening of the most excellent kind.
Gene Woods and Mike Faria set up a large canopy where Speedway stars and legends of yesteryear autographed special Hot Shoe, Hall of Fame posters and talked with their fans.
Things got close. Filled with the normal drama, remarks and regulations Brad Oxley held a rider meeting. All there on the same page they knew their part as well as the promoter did. On conclusion everyone vowed they would cement this night into the folklore that makes Costa Mesa the most recognized Speedway track in America.
As 7:30 the race program started the night becomes a blur. A party interrupted by a race every few minutes the action was wild. Crashes, of course, tight racing, naturally, upsets, rivalry, celebration. Yes, all on display and revered.
5/21/22 Costa Mesa Season Opener results were - Jack Milne Cup Final (restarted twice) 5 - Max Ruml 24 - Gino Manzares 1 - Billy Janniro (fell, excluded) 28 - Slater Lightcap (fell, excluded)
Scratch Consolation 30n - Alex Martin 27 - Blake Borello 173 - Rees Todd 12 - Randy DiFrancesco (non starter)
Second Division Main Event - 137 - Justin Almon 309 - Jonny Oakden 290 - Harold Hartke 327 - Tyler Moszer (fell)
Second Division Consolation - 296 - Andrew Russell 168 - Mark Fillebrown 163 - Ron Davis 118 - Rohn Zellner (retired)
Third Division Main Event - 106 - Isaiah Canales 175 - Jake Myers 69e - Alan Bernklau 395 - Nelson Soto
Junior 250 Main Event - 48 - Jose Navarrete
Mini 150 Main Event 22 - Ryder Schultz 175 - Morgan Myers 5 - Brandon Soto
Sidecar Main Event - 1 - Joe Jones/Tom Summers
The May 21 Jack Milne Cup at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds proved without a doubt that Disneyland is not the only Magic Kingdom in Orange County. Come judge for yourself cause the best thing about Speedway is you, the fans. You know the saying. The racers make the show and the fans make them go. Live the moment and savor the excitement.
I hate giving credits as I always forget a name or 10 but here are some of those deserving; Colton Udall, ticket taker & Infield - Faith Lukens, social media - Ian Young, infield manager and operations - Judy Loveland, ticket booth manager - Josh Loveland, Will Call. Jerry Lytton, John Creith, Daniel Moore, track prep - Tommy Garcia, ticket taker - Brittany Clarke, Ashley Hartman, Jenny Davis, ticket seller - Jean Fink and Jessi Dubuis back gate and scorekeepers - Melissa Ceideburg, T-Shirts. Mike Law and Adolph Beltran, pit parking / staff - Jack Straw, infield worker. Thank you all.
Also need to give a special heartfelt shout out to the Gary and Sandra Hicks. A powerhouse in our sport both are suffering from health issues that severely limit mobility. 2022 will be the first year Sandra is not in the ticket booth & scoring and Gary not running the track entrance since the track opened in 1969. In a wheelchair and full time oxygen it was momentous that Sandra Hicks attended. Next time bring Gary and the two of you can have a wheelchair race.
Harley Night #1 will be Costa Mesa next race this Saturday June 4th. It will be spectacular. Be a hero and invite your neighbor or the gang from work to go with you. The nights action will be the talk of those around you as they relay the art of steering right to go left on two wheels.
More information and a complete 2022 race schedule at Costa Mesa Speedway.com.
See all 350 pictures from opening night on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=speedwayzar.
Howie Zechner
Press Officer
Howie@razvideo.com
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