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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
SAN BERNARDINO, CA (April 15, 2008) – 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, can be found at www.nosevents.com
or calling 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.
For news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in
the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com . Drivers, Racers and Fans are encouraged
to keep abreast will all the updates and exciting news during the off
season by checking out www.nosevents.com and keep an eye on the speedway
page for more information.
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.
For further information, contact Orange Show Speedway at 909-888-6788,
X438,
or visit the web site at www.nosevents.com.
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