GREAT WEATHER, GREAT ACTION HAVE FANS READY FOR 42 ½ LAP TWIN MAIN EVENTS, LATE MODEL BONUS PURSE AND SCHEDULE POSTERS FOR OSS OPENING NIGHT

Source: OSS
Date: 04/15/2008

SAN BERNARDINO, California – As everyone sat at the 2007 Orange Show Speedway Awards Banquet in January, nobody could have anticipated the twists and turns life puts in front of you. One recipient, Larry Meredith could never of imagined. His relentless commitment and dedication to the speedway and his division, the Leno’s Rico Taco Legends, the division flourished in 2007 and yielded fantastic racing and the closest Points battle throughout the season. For his efforts, Larry was awarded the Ray Walker Jr. Memorial Award. Larry competes Nationally in the INEX Legend Series and has raced across the country including the road course at Infineon Raceway in Northern California. During a race at another track just a couple of weeks later, everything went in the opposite direction. While competing, Larry suffered life-threatening injuries during a horrific fiery crash that turned his Legend car into nothing but a twisted and burnt pile of metal. After being airlifted to a local burn center, weeks of surgery and rehabilitation, any mans will and faith would be tested. But he has begun the long road back with nothing but his loving wife Kathy, his faith and a smile;

“I can be grateful in that my beautiful wife Kathy, my friends and my beliefs give me strength I never knew I had. After something like that, to finally wake up hundreds of miles away from home and to be surrounded by so many people concerned.”

To pay tribute to his dedication, compassion and contributions to the speedway and the sport, Orange Show Speedway will kick off the 2008 season with set of twin 42 ½ lap main events for the Leno’s Rico Taco Legends to honor Larry Meredith, who could always be found behind the wheel of the number 85 INEX Legends. Director of Motorsports, Joe Ganino, wanted to honor a man he respected as a competitor, businessman and friend;

“So often we rightfully pay tribute to individuals for their contributions after they have left us. Larry’s strength of will, compassion and faith are an example that we should celebrate and learn from. He has been such a great influence and friend since I started working with the speedway. He is a successful businessman and understands that aspect when trying to make decisions for the betterment of the track.”

Meredith will be introduced Saturday Night Prior to the first of the twin Main Events dubbed the “Meredith 85,” and will give competitors the traditional ‘start your engine’ command to kick off the evening. Larry originally wanted no accolades, but humbly accepted and felt honored that OSS would do something of this nature;

“This is my home track. This track and the people that make up my fellow competitors and fans who come out on Saturday nights will make this a very special night I will never forget.”

Additionally, as the Lucas Oil Late Model division kicks off their 2008 Season, the drivers have banded together to create some additional incentive for their Opening Night Main Event. The Conklin, Rouse, Hooper as well as additional sponsors and families have added additional purse monies for the 50 lap Main Event. The goal was to re-introduce many Late Model drivers to Orange Show Speedway and all the improvements that have been made over the last couple of years. Jimmy Rouse Jr, wowed fans with his abilities while claiming Rookie of the Year honors in the Late Model Division and his family hopes this will continue to raise the level of competition for the division and for the learning process of Jimmy Jr.’s racing career. Jimmy Sr, a former champion from Irwindale Speedway knows what it takes to grow as a driver;

“I want him to race against the very best around. That is the only way he will grow as a person and a driver. The crew at Orange Show (Speedway) has worked so hard and we want drivers to know that when you show up, they treat you with respect, thank you for being here and treat you right. I hope by adding to the purse some guys will give it a try and realize what a great place to race this is.”

Another family that has been apart of Southern California Racing is the Hooper family. Richard, owner of Hooper’s Rear Ends in Sun Valley, is a second generation racer from days of Saugus Speedway and has introduced the sport to his brother Anthony Maniella, another up and coming racer in the Late Model division;

“It’s such an amazing sport. I love the fact that I have spent many a weekend over the last couple of summers racing with family and friends. Racing with my son Logan means a lot to me, and that we can have so much fun, and to do it as a family. We’re happy to help in any way to promote this place after we’ve seen all the effort put in by Joe, Gary and everyone at the speedway.” Said Maniella

The first 500 fans in attendance will receive complimentary Full Color Schedule Posters on opening night. The Speedway’s second opening night, featuring the BSR West Late Models will include an OSS T-Shirt giveaway for the first 500 fans in attendance. For more information, including an up to date promotional schedule, call the race office at 909-888-6788 ext. 438

Orange Show Speedway is a proud member of the ASA Member Track program, which is comprised of a network of short tracks around the United States.

Racing at Orange Show Speedway is sponsored by Lucas Oil, Pick A Part Auto Recyclers, Blackhawk Protection, Del Taco, KTTD radio (AM 1350), Leno’s Rico Taco, JAM Sportswear, Budweiser, Hoosier Racing Tires, Frank’s Radio Service, 1st Valley Credit Union, Parker Pumper/BSR West, Star Auto Parts, Matich Corporation, Industrial Metal Supply, L. Curti Truck and Equipment, One Stop Landscape Supply, Extreme Exhibits & Logistics, ASA Member Track Program, CEC Embroidery, NixaCountry.com, Little Green Onions Family Restaurant.

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