First of all, the first weekend in Southern Calfiornia is usually the traditional kick-off for the Motorsports scene in the Southland Saturday night with the first of three rounds of the AMA Supercross events at Anaheim Stadium. This year's opening round went to Josh Grant, riding for NASCAR mainstay Joe Gibbs Racing, knocking off the two previous AMA Supercross series champs, current title holder Chad Reed and 2007 champ James Stewart.
Sunday was supposed to be another big day for motorcycle road racing out in Fontana as the WERA West season opened with a slew of races at the Auto Club Speedway. The day, which saw rider Chris Ulrich win three of the top class races held that day, was marred by the death of rider Joe Lopez, of West Covina. The 32 year-old rider, who was working on sponsorships for a proposed team being put together by former Los Angeles Laker Earvin "Magic" Johnson, crashed during the C Superstock race, which was called after a 90-minute delay.
The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, who's Sports Editor, Louis Brewster, is a long-time racing writer and friend of mine, had further details on Lopez's family life. It's sad, and before anyone gets on their soapbox about how dangerous the sport is, just remember, driving your car everyday is just as dangerous or more so, since you have to dodge huge semi-trailers. I don't want to take a cavalier attitude about something serious about this, but there are a number of waivers and insurance requirements that are needed to get into motor sports and there is always that element of risk inherent in any sport.
On a more positive note, This Saturday is the 39th annual American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association All-America Team Banquet, which honors the top drivers in the industry. My Good Friend, Michael Knight (Please, no Knight Rider jokes) has the information here on his website, including who's being honored. I'll be attending the event after getting back from San Pedro, where the 2nd Annual Legends Celebration will be taking place.
Right now, we're on track for the 6th Toyota All-Star Showdown, NASCAR's "National Championship" for its developmental series. Friday and Saturday, January 23rd and 24th, AQt the Toyota Speedway of IRwindale. Drivers from both the Whelen All-American Series and the Camping World West and East Seirs will be competing for the prestigious racing event. Current Sprint Cup driver David Gilliland is a former competitor in the Showdown, as well as Nationwide Series competitor Matt Kobyluck.
Stay Tuned to the Mid Valley Sports Central radio Show for more information as well as a special guest the week before the race. The Mid Valley Sports Central show can be heard tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. here, as well as on iTunes.
Next Week we'll recap the second round of the AMA Supercross and start looking ahead towards the All-Star Showdown and that other big thing happening in Central Florida the same weekend as that big football game in Tampa, the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
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