Faria Captures the Straw Hat

1999 Fair Derby Results by

Raz Video

Sometime around 28 years ago speedway star Sunny Nutter offered a straw hat as a trophy for winning the fair derby. Soon the hat was bronzed, now it's one of the hottest trophies available to So. Cal speedway racers. So hot that few have ever won it and only one person had ever won it 5 times. Well, until this Saturday. Mike Faria, fresh in from Northern Cal joined Bobby Schwartz as the only 5 time winners of this great prize. I believe they are also the only two to ever capture it more than twice.

As usual a very large crowd was on hand in almost perfect weather. The crowd was treated to some good close racing. The only thing disappointing was the condition of the track. Although it was smooth as glass and looked great, there was just no dirt on the outside. If you are familiar with Fast Edie Castro, you know he likes to ride the outside. Well Eddie could or would not go more than about 5 feet from the pole. Faria who is his most dangerous on the outside never moved off the pipes. If someone came for the first time they missed a large part of what really happens at Costa Mesa.  Also missing was the all scratch program.

Chris Manchester made his first trip to Costa Mesa of the year. He looked fast but a little rusty. I hope to see Chris back more this year. He told me he will be racing up north as he now lives in Reno. Maybe we can catch him for the nationals.

Randy DeFransesco had a new game face on this week. Randy looked more detimended to win than I have seen in many weeks. He rode as hard and fast as anyone however on slight bobble kept him from winning the Handicap main. If Randy keeps the game face on, keeps focused and keeps pushing he will find his way to the Raz Video post race checkered flag interview.

We now have a few weeks off for the fair. It's a great time to order your Raz Videos. Howie is a little less busy now and can ship your order sooner.