Speedway Arena Has New Look for Opener

The speedway motorcycle arena at the Orange County Fairgrounds will have a new look when the racing season begins Saturday with the Spring Classic, but some of the same old names are expected to play a pivotal role in the main events.

Gary Hicks, who missed his chance to win a championship points title last season after breaking his collarbone and three ribs, is the defending scratch main event champion in the Spring Classic, a non-points race that precedes the April 21 season opener.

Hicks, 31, of Quail Valley in Riverside County, led wire-to-wire last season over Charlie Venegas of San Bernardino on the one-eighth-mile bullring oval.

Hicks has had success in recent years in the season’s first event. In 1999, he finished second in the Spring Classic.

After winning the first race of 2000, Hicks broke his collarbone and three ribs in the third race of the season.

Hicks is the grand-nephew of 1937 world champion Jack Milne and began riding at the fairgrounds track when he was 13.

Venegas, who won the U.S. Nationals last season, would probably be a factor again Saturday, except that he broke his leg while ice racing in St. Louis and will probably not compete this season.

Brad Oxley, a two-time national champion, said he will scale back his riding in order to focus on race promoting and will participate in only selected events, such as the Jack Milne Cup.

Some of the other familiar riders returning include Costa Mesa’s Bobby Schwartz, Brea’s Shawn McConnell and defending series champion Dukie Ermolenko of Cypress.

Mike Faria of Reno, a three-time national champion, will race Saturday and is expected to compete every other week during the regular season. Chris Manchester, also of Reno, another national champion, will be racing every week.

Andy Northrup, who missed last season’s nationals because of a broken leg, will miss the Spring Classic because of a broken finger.

The race Saturday is the first in the refurbished open-air fairgrounds arena. International Speedway Inc. has painted and upgraded all bleacher seating, and reconfigured the Turn 1 and 2 bleachers to allow for a new entrance and vendor area.

The Orange County Fair Board provided a new arena entrance, food service area, refurbished restroom facilities and improved fencing and lighting.

Racing continues through Oct. 13. Adult admission is $10. Admission for juniors and seniors is $6, and $3 for children 6-10. Parking and programs are free; preferred parking is available for $3.