Former National Champion Bobby “Boogaloo” Schwartz collected the Jack Milne Cup for the second time in his illustrious career on Legends Night at the world famous Costa Mesa Speedway.
            Schwartz, starting from the pole position, made the best start and led the field into turn one.  Under 21 National Champion Ricky Wells chased Schwartz down the back straight but began experiencing mechanical problems as they entered turn three.  Last week’s winner, Shawn “Mad Dog” McConnell took over second and chased after the leader.  Schwartz was not going to be caught, though, and he led all the way to the checkered flag.  McConnell settled for second, Jimmy Fishback was third, Shaun Harmatiuk finished fourth, and Wells was credited with fifth.
            The first round of heats began with “Nasty” Na te Perkins leading for two laps before falling in front of Schwartz and bringing out the red flag.  Schwartz was awarded the victory, but then had to straighten his machine prior to the next round.  Fishback defeated McConnell in the second heat.  Faria cruised to victory in the third heat.  Wells finished round one with a win over Charlie “The Edge” Venegas who was making just his second appearance at Costa Mesa this season.
            Mike “Spiderman” Bloom began the earned-handicap rounds with a win over Schwartz.  Perkins led J.T. Mabry all four laps for the win in the next heat.  Russell Green was the victor over Tommy Hedden in event 11.  Brad Sauer ended the second round with a win.
            Harmatiuk passed Doug Greyson to win=2 0the first race of round three.  McConnell held off Venegas to win the next heat.  Faria beat Jason Ramirez for his second win of the evening.  Wells beat Fishback for his second win in the final heat.  Brad Sauer won a three-rider runoff to fill the final spot in the semis.
            Wells ran away with the win in the first semi with Harmatiuk getting the second transfer to the main.  Schwartz cruised to the win in the second semi with Fishback following him into the main.  McConnell won the Last Chance to book the final spot in the main.
            Philip Harmatiuk was victorious in the Support Main Event for the second time in three weeks.  Bryan Buffington finished second, Dylan Black was third, Tyson Burmeister finished fourth, and Rudy Laurer was fifth.
            Bruce Marteney passed Chris Thomas at the conclusion of lap one and never looked back en route to victory in the Support B Main Event.  Thomas held on to second, Pat Smith was third, and Gary Greenwood was fourth.
            The Youth First Division Main Event was restarted twice and the third attempt came to a scary conclusion with Rocco Scopellite and Chad Hoyt going down in turn two.  Both riders were down for several minutes, but thankfully both were able to leave the track on their own.
            Nicky Reimer put in a superb effort to win the Youth Second Division Main Event.  Major Davis finished second, Brad Painter was third, and Hayley Perrault finished fourth.
            The Jack Milne Cup honors the late 1937 World Champion who was an integral part of the founding and s ubsequent promotion of Costa Mesa Speedway until he passed away in 1995.  Combined with the Jack Milne Cup was the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Costa Mesa Speedway, which began on June 13, 1969.  There were many legends on hand to witness the event.  Founder of Costa Mesa Speedway Harry Oxley; former World Champions Barry Briggs and Bruce Penhall; former National Champions Rick Woods, Kelly Moran, Steve Lucero, and Chris Manchester; as well as prominent riders Sonny Nutter, “Wild” Bill Cody, Rick Miller, and many more were on hand to celebrate the occasion.  Many former riders including current promoter Brad Oxley, Dubb Ferrell, Billy Meister, Jim Fishback, Nutter, and Manchester did laps around the track. 
            Costa Mesa has just two events remaining on its 2008 calendar.  This Saturday is the 40th U.S. National Speedway Championship followed by the Fall Classic on Saturday, October 11.        ;