SAN BERNARDINO, California — Best in the West Racing, the company that has promoted auto racing at Orange Show Speedway for the past two years, will not return in 2011.
Rick McCray, who formed Best in the West after becoming the track’s promoter in February, 2009, said he reluctantly made the decision to step away only after an in-depth examination of all aspects of the business and extensive conversations with company officials, National Orange Show directors and staff and others in the racing community.
“This was an extremely difficult decision to make,” McCray said. “In our two years the response has been gratifying. We were attracting more racers, the competition on the track was exciting, and a faithful group of fans were there every Saturday night.
“Unfortunately, after a tremendous amount of consideration and input, we decided not to continue. Circumstances beyond our control, including rising operational costs and declining sponsorships and revenues, left us with no reasonable alternative.
“On behalf of Best in the West Racing, I want to express our gratitude and appreciation to everyone that has supported our efforts – the competitors and their crews and families, the media, our sponsors and vendors, our staff and especially our fans. It’s because of those people and others like them that auto racing has been a Saturday night tradition at Orange Show Speedway for more than 60 years.
“Special thanks go to Johnnie’s of Redlands for its commitment and dedication as our primary vendor, to Dennis Huth and the ASA (American Speed Association) for their involvement and encouragement, and to Dan Jimenez and the National Orange Show board of directors for their support of our efforts.
“We’re all greatly disappointed that we won’t be returning, but we hope racing will continue and the Saturday night tradition will live on.”
Orange Show Speedway, a banked, paved quarter-mile oval adjacent to the National Orange Show grounds, held its first race on May 1, 1947, and there has been racing at the track each year since then.
Best in the West Racing’s promotions at Orange Show Speedway have been sponsored by Lucas Oil Products, Budweiser, San Bernardino Pick-A-Part, Team Too Termite and Pest Control, JAM Sportswear, Interstate Batteries, MC Erectors, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Hoosier Tire West, KCAL 96.7 Rocks, Best Buy, Tri-City Towing, Pacific West Interiors (PWI), Luke’s Transmission, Print Depot, Riverside Mission Florist, Wayne’s Engine, Cal’s Towing, JP Striping, K1 Speed, Jerry’s Brake and Wheel, and Arrow Track GPS.com.
For further information, please contact Jim Short by telephone at 951-203-2649 or by e-mail at jimshort65@sbcglobal.net.
