As a junior bowler I watched from the sidelines while adult bowlers took part
in different types of fun tournaments. I so wanted to have the same events for
us kids that I began promoting them at age 15. The first father/son tournament
was a success so we did more, some just for kids. Eventually those activities
grew into a Junior All Star Traveling League.

Later, as a racer and sponsor, I grew tired of always having to drive
hours to compete in motorcycle races so I started my own company to
give motocrossers the opportunity to compete locally. Jim Manning had
begun a sanctioning body for high school motocross with the intention
of providing the same recognition to racers as to football, baseball
and basketball athletes. High school administrators never supported the
program but it at least got me started (first event was in 1975) and I soon
expanded the program to include all riders, not just those in high school.

The races were staged at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds stadium,
allowing great spectating from the grandstands. We began with day
races but soon switched to night races to increase attendance
and beat the summer desert heat.

We expanded into BMX and stock car racing, finally earning the right to
promote the opening events for the annual Antelope Valley Fair &
Alfalfa Festival. None of this could have happened without help from
local businessmen who donated their time, track building equipment and
other services to get me started. We had great enthusiasm and a wonderful
group of volunteers whose efforts made it all possible.

Ultimately the program's successes were overshadowed by complaints
from nearby homeowners who objected to all of the activity at the Fairgrounds
so I moved on to other pursuits. While it lasted it was the best time of my life.

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