In a lot of ways, motorcycle racing has evolved and at times, doesn’t resemble much to its early years. While that’s not always a bad thing, going back to the simpler times can be a bit refreshing and fun to take in. Speedway still carries that old school tradition and feel, looking eerily similar to its hey day decades ago. 55 years later, Costa Mesa Speedway is still going strong in the heart of Orange County, CA at the OC Fairgrounds. On Saturday nights, you’ll find a packed crowd cheering for racers of all ages circling an oval full gas with no brakes.
The small track in Costa Mesa is 185 yards oval on the pole (1/10 of a mile long). They use a special clay base with decomposed granite and when prepped right (which they do every time), is a thing of beauty. Spectating is as good as it gets as you can see all the action from any seat in the house, and if you’re in the right spot, you may or may not get a feel of the clcay and decomposed granite yourself! The gates open at 6pm with a live band, happy hour from 6-7pm, first race blasts off at 7:30pm sharp. Learn more about Costa Mesa Speedway HERE.
Welcome to the field of dreams.“Fast” Eddie Castro is one of many still going strong with 40+ years of Speedway racing under his belt and still remaining competitive to this day.“Rad” Brad Oxley is the man in charge. With family ties in American speedway and a 2x National Champion himself, Brad has deeep roots at Costa Mesa Speedway and keeps it going on Saturday nights all year long.A few times a year, the Costa Mesa Speedway sees a crew of dirt bikes hit the oval for Knobby Night. The exhibition race is all about fun for the riders and spectators and they put on a heck of a show.Start ’em young! The PW class is fun to watch as the future of the sport races under the lights in front of the crowd!Speedway bikes are built different.
This ain’t your Dunlop MX34…Exposed clutch anyone?Old school suspension designs are still in play here.There’s some raw, methanol-burning horsepower packed in there!
The outside peg is rather important when you’re pitching it sideways.It’s refreshing to see some unique companies supporting Speedway racers.Pump gas doesn’t belong here!Any guesses on the gearing here?Safety first.
Some of the Knobby Night bikes came prepareed with flat track setups.Lowered forks will greatly assist on the tight, hard pack left hand turns.Knobby tires on the slick speedway track are tough but no one rides off the track without a smile on their face.Leathers are still a thing in 2025!These leathers have spun some laps around the oval in their day.
Speedway bikes aren’t following the new 109db sound limit we see coming to SX and MX.These bikes are minimalists as they aim for maximum power-to-weight ratio.Jawa is quite common in the speedway pits.
Nick Lapaglia’s Knobby Night bike is straight out of the 70’s but a crowd favorite nonetheless.No semis. Just some canopies and some pickup trucks – keeping the old school theme alive.The Jr class is a sight to see as they learn the ins and outs of pitching it sideways.
Steel shoes are on everyones left foot at the Speedway.Live music entertains the crowd prior to the night’s racing.Vendors and sponsors are on-site along with a beer garden and some food.
Starting a speedway bike isn’t as easy as the push of a button or even kickstarting it…
One of the many PW50’s headed out to race.More tires!Bare bones.
The calm before the storm. If you haven’t already, check out your local speedway for some action-packed racing and a fun night out.
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