The Steve Eklund Memorial Race will break a three-decade silence on San Benito County’s flat-track scene when it heads to Bolado Park on October 4, coinciding with the county fair. Organized by former pro rider Tom Carriger, the event is the fourth stop on the High Point Series and promises “bar-banging excitement” for fans new and old. Entries remain open until October 2, and the schedule allows each rider to compete two or three times before the final 15-race main event. With a “Tourist Trophy” layout that blends a right-hand turn and a single jump, participants will experience speeds near 85-90 mph over three-minute heats, delivering the intense, breath-holding action that defines flat-track racing.
Honoring a forgotten champion
Steve Eklund, a privateer who captured the 1979 AMA Grand National Championship, has long been described as “the forgotten champion.” Born in East San Jose, he funded his own campaign against factory-backed teams, showcasing remarkable skill and composure at high speed. Tragically, Eklund suffered a fatal head injury during a half-mile race in Albuquerque in June 1990 and passed away after a 15-month coma in September 1991. Carriger, who was named the 2008 AMA National Amateur Rider of the Year, organized the memorial because no dedicated benefit event had ever honored Eklund’s contributions to California and Nevada’s District 36 racing history.
Race format, classes and youth outreach
The Bolado Park competition will field up to 12 motorcycles per heat across 20 heats, with the top three from each advancing directly to the main event. Fifteen distinct rider classes range from the Open Pro division, where elite competitors chase prize money, to a Vintage class that welcomes seasoned veterans such as 68-year-old Rod Spencer, a close friend of Eklund. A special Youth Revival Program invites children eight and under to race for free, aiming to reverse the decline from the 700-rider turnouts of the past to today’s sub-hundred fields. Carriger emphasizes that the fair atmosphere makes the sport “stupid fun” and that every spectator will find a rider to cheer for.
Motorsports Mania lights up Allen County Fairgrounds
Across the country, the Allen County Fairgrounds in Ohio will host “Motorsports Mania” on Saturday, September 26. The day-long showcase blends monster-truck action with flat-track motorcycle races, offering families a budget-friendly outing—general admission is $30, and children 12 and under enter free. Jeff Hires of RPM Promotions highlights the rarity of monster trucks returning to the venue, while Troy Elwer, the fairgrounds’ operations manager, notes that off-season events like this provide essential revenue for the facility. Among the motorcycle competitors is Cody Mishey, a local amateur who will step onto the pro-level track for the first time, eager to prove himself on the same dirt that seasoned pros dominate.
Understanding flat-track circuit types
Flat-track racing tests riders on four distinct circuit configurations recognized by the AMA: MileHalf-MileShort Track and Tourist Trophy (TT). Mile tracks, often located on state fairgrounds, feature long straightaways where riders can reach up to 140 mph, creating high-speed drafting battles. Half-Mile ovals are the sport’s workhorse, built for both motorcycles and cars, and host the majority of events on the calendar. Short Tracks compress laps into a tight loop, demanding quick reflexes; they’re likened to “a fist fight in a phone booth” because a strong start often decides the outcome. TT circuits break from the oval tradition, incorporating both left- and right-hand turns plus a single jump, forcing riders to master turning precision and aerial control in each lap.
Preparing the dirt and safety measures
Transforming Bolado Park’s rodeo arena into a professional flat-track surface is a two-week undertaking. Carriger’s crew waters the area for ten days to settle the soil, then employs heavy equipment—blades, rippers, wheel packers and compaction units—to create a smooth, dust-free track. Dust control is crucial; visibility issues can endanger both riders and spectators. Safety remains a priority, with each three-minute heat limiting exposure while still delivering the adrenaline-filled experience fans expect. Carriger likens the effort to “dancing with the motorcycle,” where rider and machine must move as a single, fluid partner.
