Kelly Moran Memorial, 4-10-10 Costa Mesa Speedway

Kelly Moran finally lost his struggle against COPD, passing-away peacefully, surrounded by loved-ones on Easter Sunday morning, 2010.

Saturday April 10th, 2010 a public memorial service was held to celebrate the life, the delight, the talent, the love-able Kelly Moran at Costa Mesa Speedway at the Orange County Fairgrounds, in Costa Mesa, California. The Oxley's were generous to offer their facility, the most entertaining little racetrack in the world, for this memorial/celebration.

Although we are all saddened to lose a friend, we can't help but smile when we think of Kelly. He met thousands of people in his career and was kind to all of them and spoke no ill about any of them; friends, team-mates or adversaries. Well, maybe a few words for the opposition, they were racing... ya know?

Kelly was such a sweet, kind, likable guy, he just didn't engage in being mean. I read today in the Speedway Star that at a meeting he was the elected-rider for heat 15, but his bike was all-nattered. So he borrowed a bike from a guy that said it wasn't running very well, but good luck. Kelly won heat 15 going-away and when he handed the bike back over to it's owner he said, "It worked OK for me." LOL! That's as mean as he got.

There were a lot of speeches and stuff I do not cover in this video, it's focused on the guy's Kelly ran with, this is a chance for them to tell the universe how much they love their lost brother, in a condensed, quickly available format. I should have included a Director-Producer credit for Bruce Penhall, he's been the force behind these videos honoring his friend and I'm honored and grateful he chose me to shoot the pictures. Thanks Bruce!

We wanted to present what you're seeing here in a nice, tight, YouTube video, to honor our dear friend, so, here ya go. In high-def, of course.

Kelly was a friend of mine too, since the seventies, and I miss him like crazy, like everyone else. It makes me a especially-crazy when someone, a friend, younger than me (almost 61) passes. Especially a unique, loving and widely-loved guy like Kelly Moran. We were all lucky to have seen his show, be it on YouTube or back in the day. And man, what a show he put-on. The Wizard of Balance will always be missed, a legend in racing, a legend, period.

I personally extend my sincerest condolences to the many family members Kelly has departed.

Kid was a sideways, WFO, candle-in-the-wind.

OMG, could he ride a motorcycle! One of the few reasons I have for being glad I'm old (OK, this is the only one) is I got to see Kelly toss a leg over a speedwaybike when he was a tiny kid and next thing ya know he's stomping-butt in Britain and we Americans went years without seeing him much. He came home in I think 1983 and kicked total-ass for a few years. We all had great times with Kelly. Then it was back to Europe. I could go-on but this is just a YouTube video description and space is limited.

We love you Kelly, C' Ya!

Andy Schwarm April 12, 2010

[kenjones]

Wow, just great to see these great USA speedway riders giving their respects to a never forgotten man. True men.

[chathamabs]

Gotta love the Americans, lived together, raced together and in death they are still together supporting each other. Awesome example 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[carlallison]

I’m Carl from Hull England UK.I watched Kelly and Shawn here in England as a 9/10 year old.Great rider.10 years already!!! Dennis Sigalos also with us.God bless you all over there ❤️🙏ps I remember watching you too Bruce beat our hull Ivan mauger on our own track!!! Git lol

[dustyroads]

Kelly was a balancing act, supported by to wheels and 50 plus Hp without brakes.
I will never forget the old Costa Mesa speedway days. Thanks for your contributions to the sport Mr. K.

[kevinrbdx]

i raced that night...kelly was my hero growing up on the track...along side the rest of the guys in this video...GOD speed Kelly

[ladydiuk]

Thank you for all being there for Kelly . We all have great memories of those golden days and as long as we all live and love Kelly will live on in our hearts x

[MrDavidrobinS]

Like tonysx in this thread, I'm a Bristol Bulldogs fan too & I also watched Swindon all through the 80s. I only spotted this by chance just now & was sorry to hear of Kelly's death. Amazing see to all those great USA riders again as they are now, especially Stevie G. Saw Kelly many times in the 80s, he always gave 100% & was a great entertainer. R.I.P Kelly.

[rob]

great tribute for a great man and racer, , bobby's beautiful words in particular got my heart, , bless you all ❤

[grahamgray]

Remember watching Kelly and Sean at Belle Vue, both fantastic!! Rip Kelly sir

[skeleion]

rip kelly never to be forgotten max

[TheJamminjeff]

thanks Bruce My special memory was in Sweden when I got to go as the mech for
the US vs Sweden.All hell broke lose at trhe first meeting, even bruces bike got bent Going into the last race of the meeting Kelly and Denny Came from behind with Kelly passing a swede on the last lap and denny came from last to third Sadly now both our brothers are gone LOVE YOU KELLY JEFF COLARD

[tonysx]

nice to see all the guys giving respect to kelly, thats the first time ive seen steve gresham on the screen for 28 years, tony way, bristol bulldogs supporter

[charleshanes]

Kelly Moran was the most exciting rider at Costa mesa speedway. bar none. R.I.P. jellyman

[naataliyah]

I'm so sad Reast in peace Jellyman from Poland

[BryanBee]

Great video! I love Kelly and blog him a lot, can I use a few clips of this video to make a new video on my channel about Kelly? Thank you much!

[simonbradshaw]

R.I.P The Jellyman Once An Ace Always A Ace ♣️🏁

[jeffhicks]

Who remembers the Bast bros, and what about Rick Woods those guys use to tear up the Costs Mesa speedway back in the mid 70s and who cant forget Billy Grey from Father knows best

[miejskiosrodeksztuki]

King Speedway in Polish - Gorzów Wlkp . King Kelly Moran