Pictures of Hank Basset taken by John Judge.
Champion Speedway in Owego plays host to its biggest event of the year, The US Open National Championships planned for Labor Day weekend. But first, on Saturday, Aug. 26, Champion Speedway will salute one of the best the track has ever seen – the legendary “Hurricane” Hank Bassett.
Bassett, the four-time track Champion from Vestal, finally lost a 30-year plus battle with MS this past winter. The track, which he dominated at in the late 70’s and early 80’s, plans his Memorial Championship race this Saturday night, which will also double as Legends of Speedway night as many former riders and staff will be present to say their goodbyes.
Some of the legends will be back on bikes and even racing. Stars from that era, Gene Bonsignore, Mike Robinson and John Lewis, will be racing while there is a good chance that another four-time track champ, Lenny McBride, will also make a shocking return.
Bassett once won a track record – 10 Scratch Main events in a row in 1980 and even carried it over into the following season with two feature wins to open 1981. He made the US Open National finals four times, and while always a quality rider at other tracks it was in Owego at Champion Speedway where he dominated and was feared by some of the country’s best.
He rode parts of two seasons in California, in 1982 and 1983, before returning home and finding out he had MS in the prime of his career. He rode another season or two while his health was good before retiring and becoming part owner of RACETECH, a parts and service shop for speedway. He also spent time working at Auto Sport by Jiri and Master Cycle.
He was always on hand at the races and helped many riders before making a shock return to racing in 1991 for a year. He also had his pro-motocross license in the 1970’s and was a good all-round motorcycle racer.
The “Hurricane” Hank Memorial race is already slated to have a 20 rider D-1 field and many legends in attendance. On Sunday at noon, a fun ride day at the track, open to the public, is slated as a celebration of his life party.
The US Open National Championships take place the following weekend at Champion Speedway, Sept. 2 and 3. Some huge names from out of town are expected, including seven-time AMA National Champion Billy Janniro of California.
Champion is located at the end of Route 434 in Owego on East River Drive. More info is available at www.eastcoastspeedway.com.
It was an awesome weekend at Champion Speedway. Thank you JBR.