"Godfather of Speedway" Passes
H
arry Oxley, "The Godfather of
Speedway" and co-founder
of Costa Mesa Speedway,
passed away at the age of 89.
As a trailblazer in the sport,
Harry played a crucial role in
introducing speedway racing
to Southern California and was
also a renowned flat track racer
during the golden era of Ameri
-
can motorcycling.
His enthusiasm for motor-
cycles contributed to establish-
ing a welcoming environment
for riders and enthusiasts at the
renowned Costa Mesa Speed-
way, a venue that has excited
generations since its inception.
Oxley partnered with 1937
Speedway World Champion Jack
Milne, and the duo established
the Costa Mesa Speedway at the
Orange County Fairgrounds. This
venue emerged as the epicenter
of American speedway racing,
attracting large crowds and
fostering a new generation of
riders.
He is credited with reviving
speedway racing in America in
the 1960s, leading to the estab
-
lishment of multiple tracks and a
resurgence of the sport. Oxley's
promotion and development of
the sport provided a platform for
American riders to gain promi
-
nence, with many, including his
son, Brad Oxley, achieving na-
tional and international success.
Oxley was inducted into the
Hot Shoe Hall of Fame in 2021.
The Speedway issued a state-
ment, saying, "Harry dedicated
his life to growing the sport
and mentoring countless riders
along the way. His legacy lives
on in every lap turned on that dirt
oval.
Ride in peace, Harry. Thank
you for everything."
Oxley passed away on Mon
-
day, June 2, at his home in Baja
California, Mexico.
Oxley is survived by his four
children: daughters Robin Oxley
Mairs, Laurie Oxley and Susan
Oxley Anderson, and son, Brad
Oxley, as well as Harry's wife,
Pam.
CN
WIND
IN THE
P26
"The Godfather of
Speedway," Harry
Oxley, passed away
at the age of 89.
