Larsen Handily Wins Grueling 25-Lap Classic

With two broken fingers and a broken knuckle on the hand he uses to operate the clutch, Monrovia’s Josh Larsen won the most grueling race of the Costa Mesa Speedway season Saturday, the 25-lap Classic at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Larsen suffered the injuries five weeks ago. He started 50 yards behind the starting line in the handicap-style race, and led the final 12 laps. Most races are four laps.

Larsen finished ahead of Corona’s Gary Hicks, who started from the 60-yard line, and Cypress’ Dukie Ermolenko, who started from the 40. They were followed by Reno’s Chris Manchester, Brea’s Shawn McConnell and Bakersfield’s Randy DiFrancesco.