Costa Mesa Speedway

Orange County Fairgrounds
Costa Mesa, California

Harley Night #1
May 10, 2025 - Costa Mesa - by Howie Zechner

Carrying on a decades long tradition once again Harley Night was a huge success. It’s hard to relay why racing heavy full size street and modified Harley Davidson machines in the small 10 of a mile Bullring is so popular but none can deny they are. Maybe it’s because these warriors are doing the impossible or maybe it’s just the fun factor. No matter the why it’s an action part that will have you smiling.

Of course Speedway Motorcycle racing is the A side of this nights action and Brad Oxley and company did not disappoint as Division 1, 2, and 3 were all on the program. These 500cc fuel powered, brakeless machines are the lifeline that has marked 55 years of racing here at Costa Mesa.

Sidecars were also on the program. Much like their 2 wheel counterparts they are brakeless although they use 1000cc two and four cylinder motors.

So which is the most exciting you ask. Well that’s as impossible to answer as which one of your kids do you like best or what’s better cake or pie. No matter cause the screams and cheers filled the night regardless of who was throwing dirt at the spectators.

Often overlooked but a big part of the Saturday night experience is that fans don’t just come for the racing cause there is so much more.

First off there’s the live Durty Watur, Rock & Roll band. Real good and real popular they play as soon as the gates open at 6pm and only stop while the races are running. When the winners crowned they start again.

There’s the food and drink that’s everywhere. Various venders are also a big part. Ballyhooing everything from motorcycle accessory’s and services they are low key and most have free swag that you can take at no charge.  T-shirts, hoodies, sweats, yes their all there. On this night Chris Agajanian brought the Ascot trailer and my oh my their clothing line is a purchase you will treasure forever.

Another secret is how family and kid friendly Costa Mesa is. It’s a closed venue with good security so parents can let the young ones play.  Do they yell, do they scream as motorcycles roar. Sure but so do the grownups 

Before the races the kids can sit on the crash wall during the Meet n Greet session and say hello or high five the riders that walk past. Parents on the ball can grab one of the professional photographers there and say “hey take a picture with my kid and racer Billy Bob or Joe Camel”. Heck better than that they may want a picture of them with the National Champion or favorite racer.

For sure the social interaction part is a big deal.  Letting loose and having a blast is why so may come.  So to those few that want peace and quiet with no interruptions may I recommend the public library.

On  May 17, 2025 Costa Mesa will run again.  Then it’s our fellow track in the City of Industry resumes racing in the Thunderdome on May 31, 2025.  Hope you attend, you would not be disappointed.

Kudos to AMA National Champion Broc Nicol for winning his fourth Main Event of the season here on Harley Night #1. Broc has really been charging and finished 1st at the Jack Milne Cup, Industry Racing and Auburn in Northern California.  For sure the bullseye on his back will be the target as every Division 1 ace will be gunning for him

The Second Division Main went to #251 Jacob Wondolowski, 3rd Division to 400 - Avant LeGarde and the Sidecar to the unstoppable team of #1 Joe Jones & Tom Summers.

Harley Night #1 videos available on social media or our friends at RAZ Video Production
Harley Night #1 pictures are available on social media.

Here is the 2025 race schedule for Costa Mesa Speedway and Industry Racing. Both venues race on Saturdays but never on the same day:
2025 Costa Mesa race dates; May 17, June 14 & 21, September 13 & 27, October 25. More information on the Costa Mesa Speedway website
2025 Industry Racing race dates; May 31, June 28, July 26, August 2, 9, 10 & 23, October 25. More information on the Industry Racing website

People ask what track is better. Silly rabbit, that’s an easy one cause the answer is the one that’s running that week.

Thanks for Listening, See you where the Wheels go Round.

Scratch Main Event
98 - Broc Nicol
7 - Austin Novratil
28 - Slater Lightcap
1 - Max Ruml

Scratch Semi 1
7 - Austin Novratil
28 - Slater Lightcap
16 - Jordan Vanderham
14n - Billy Janniro (fell, remounted)

Scratch Semi 2
1 - Max Ruml
98 - Broc Nicol
77 - Justin Almon
321 - Russell Green

Second Division Main Event
251 - Jacob Wondolowski
182 - Rudy Laurer
178 - Eloy Medellin (fell, mounted)
159 - Kevin Fiore (fell)

Second Division Consolation
255 - Cameron Dalbey
111 - David Newsham
125 - Jason Wood (fell, remounted)
187 - Josh King (fell)

Third Division Main Event
400 - Avant LeGarde
155 - Tommy Kormilo
121 - Nathan Ilagan
109 - Erin Ferris
116 - Jeff Semmig

Sidecar Main Event
1 - Joe Jones/Tom Summers
45 - Kyle Collins/Justin Zmina
07 - Kevin Kale/Jennifer Hernandez
357 - Ace Kale/Brent Smith

Sidecar Last Chance
07 - Kevin Kale/Jennifer Hernandez
911 - Stuart Glass/Jack Straw
11 - Kevin Holman/Jacob Dethlefs

Division 1 Points
1 - Max Ruml 3,3,3,3,0 -12
7 - Austin Novratil 3,3,3,3,2 -14
11 - Bobby Schwartz 0,0,0, -0
14 - Eddie Castro 3,0,1 -4
14n - Billy Janniro 2,3,3 -8
16 - Jordan Vanderham 1,3,1,1 -7
20 - Darren Armbruster 1,2,0 -3
28 - Slater Lightcap 2,1,2,2,1 -8
34 - Archie Perez 1,1,1 -3
37 - Joe Donaldson 0,1,1 -2
68 - Mark Fillebrown 0,1,1 -2
08 - Broc Nicol 3,2,2,3,3 -13
117 - Wilbur Hancock 2,9,2 -4
137 - Justin Almon 1,2,2,1 -6
290 - Harold Hartke 0,0,0 -0
321 - Russell Green 2,2,3,0 7

Division 2 Points
101 - Jake Scarbrough 1,0 -1
111 - David Newsham 1,2 -3
125 - Jason Wood 3,1 -4
159 - Kevin Fiore 3,2 -5
178 - Eloy Medellin 2,3 -5
182 - Rudy Laurer 3,1 -4
187 - Josh King 1,2
226 - Levi Leutz 2,0 -2
246 - Brec Barrett 0,1 -1
251 - Jacob Wondolowski 2,3 -5
255 - Cameron Dalbey 0,3 -3