Schwartz, Lucero Feud at Speedway Race

COSTA MESA —  The feud between Bobby Schwartz of Costa Mesa and Steve Lucero of Riverside erupted Friday when Lucero crashed into Schwartz on the second lap of the scratch main event at the speedway motorcycle racing program at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Schwartz, the defending U.S. champion, was leading the race when Lucero rammed into the rear of Schwartz’s bike and knocked him off it. It was the third time in five weeks the riders have had problems on the track.

The race was called complete on from that point and Lucero was declared the winner. Scott Brant of Riverside was second, Dukie Ermolenko of Cypress third and Schwartz, who didn’t continue, finished fourth.

Afterward, Schwartz, 33, confronted promoter Harry Oxley in the track office and the pair shoved each other, according to a witness.

“Bobby is a clean rider,” Harry Oxley said afterwards. “And it seems Steve is out to get him. I don’t blame Bobby for being mad and he exploded in the office.”

Oxley also said the on-track incident would be reviewed further.