Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup At Daytona - First Two Races In USA Based Motorsports 2024 Season

The first professional race cars of the season to hit the Daytona road course track in anger for 2024. Image Credit: IMSA Video (2024)

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup At Daytona - First Two Races In USA Based Motorsports 2024 Season

Well. here we go, and leave it to the newly Whelen sponsored Mazda MX-5 Cup entry ladder into the higher levels of IMSA Sportscar series season racing, to open up the season in typical, exciting, door to door, close quarters action.

IMSA Report #1:

Wagner Leads Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Train Of Cars Across Daytona Finish Line

The absolute first race of the professional racing series was held on Thursday, January 25th and after a very tussled 45 minutes of green flag racing, 11 cars approached the finish line at Daytona International Speedway with a shot at winning the first event of the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin series season. When the pack crossed the line and the timing screens updated, it was Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) with the win, 0.060-second ahead of Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 Saito Motorsports).

 

In true Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup fashion, even in the final moments of the race, nobody could predict who the winner would be.

 

It took a few laps, but the pack of 28 cars that took the green flag eventually broke into two groups, one of them an 11-car train at the front. Six different drivers led laps during the race, and that’s only as they crossed start-finish, the strong draft on Daytona’s high banks caused the order to change numerous times between turns.

 

Wagner, who won the very first Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona in 2021, qualified outside the top 10. His experience at the 3.56-mile roval told him that would not be a disadvantage.

 

“It would have before, but you do this enough times and you end up starting from every spot on the grid,” Wagner said. “I felt like 12th was at least in the hunt.”

 

The same could be said for Gonzalez who qualified 14th but was up to fourth by lap six.

 

“Last year I won from 18th, so qualifying wasn't an issue. I’d like to say it’s all skill, but it’s not really here at Daytona,” Gonzalez said. “You all have to work together.” 

In the early stages, BSI Racing teammates Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing) and Selin Rollan (No. 87 BSI Racing/Rollan Racing) worked well together and held the front two spots, but it was only a matter of time before JTR Motorsports Engineering swooped in with Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) and Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering).

 

BSI team member and Mazda Shootout Scholarship winner Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) came along to support Zilisch and Rollan, but it all allowed McCumbee McAleer Racing teammates Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and Wagner to squeeze their way to the front.

 

The teamwork happening amongst the pack made for thrilling racing but left several cars with damaged rear bumpers from all the drafting. Rollan, Workman and Wagner all had loose bodywork potentially hurting their aerodynamic performance.

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup on the Daytona banking, in full song and cooperation during Race 1 of a scheduled 14 race season over seven race weekends. Image Credit: IMSA (2024)

Exiting the Le Mans Chicane on the final lap, it was rookie Julian DaCosta (No. 78 BSI Racing) who led, but MX-5 Cup veterans know that is the last place you want to be to take the win. Two trains of cars split DaCosta as they headed toward the checkered flag.

 

With a nice push from Gonzalez, Wagner crossed the line first with Gonzalez second and Fletcher third.

 

“It is tough, because you don’t want to go too early, and you also don't want to get hung out if you go out too late,” Wagner said. “I think I did it with just the right amount of patience. We went two-wide in the bus stop! It was really hard to stay back and know you had the run coming to the line. You almost see the race disappear in front of you, and then all of a sudden coming out of (turn) four it comes back to you. It's an art to race here. Especially at the front coming to the line.”

 

Twice a MX-5 Cup winner at Daytona, Gonzalez couldn’t complain about a runner-up finish this time around.

 

“Gresham [Wagner] and I worked great for the race, but honestly congrats to him and his team,” said Gonzalez. “Thank you to my parents and thank you to Saito Motorsports. I couldn’t lose to a better person honestly, he’s one of the fastest guys out there.

“All I know is it was a mad dash and I just couldn’t get unhooked from Gresham’s bumper to pop out and I didn’t want to risk spinning and taking out the whole field,” Gonzalez said of the finish. “It was a great race, 12th to second—I can't be too mad about that.” 

 

Now in his sophomore season of MX-5 Cup, Fletcher was thrilled to get his first podium at the storied Daytona International Speedway, even if he spun after the finish line.

 

“It’s definitely an amazing feeling,” Fletcher said. “I can’t thank the MMR guys enough for the car they supplied me. After a tough rookie season, it is great to accomplish this. It is amazing to have teammates like I do. I ended up crossing the line backwards, but during the race I felt more secure and it was good to be in that lead pack. I was in a good spot and waited through the bus stop and then just shot my shot.” 

 

Jeansonne just barely held on to fourth place, crossing the finish line 0.003-second head of Zilisch.

 

There’s sure to be more of the same in the second half of the MX-5 Cup doubleheader at Daytona. Friday’s Round Two race will go green at 10:15am ET with live coverage on RACER.com.

IMSA Report #2:

Different day, same task for Race 2 of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup at Daytona race weekend. Image Credit: IMSA (2024)

Nate Cicero Wins Second Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Race At Daytona After Explosive Last Lap

Reigning Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin Rookie of the Year and former MX-5 Cup Shootout winner Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer) survived a last lap frenzy to win at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. He was closely followed across the finish line by his teammate Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) making it a McCumbee McAleer Racing 1-2.

 

The second Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona played out much like the first, as the draft was key once again ahead of a scrappy final lap.

 

Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing) had an incredible opening lap, going from 11th to fourth. Two laps later, he was in the lead, at the front of an eight-car pack.

 

Not long after, the dangers of Daytona’s high banks were on display. Preston Pardus (No. 52 Rick Ware Racing), got loose in the draft and hit the wall exiting NASCAR Turn Four. He bounced back down the track to the infield and eventually came to a rest near Turn One. Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 JTR Motorsports Engineering) moved to avoid hitting Pardus, but that turned the car and sent him into the wall at start/finish.

 

The first and only full-course caution of the race was issued with Zilisch still leading the field.

 

After four laps behind the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup safety car, the green flag was back on display.

Zilisch continued to lead for several laps afterwards, but his strong defense came to a sad end when his car’s ABS failed. He locked up his brakes several times on a single lap before making his way to pit lane.

 

At the front, Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 Saito Motorsport), Cicero and Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) were working together to stay up front.

 

On the final lap, Cicero led the field into Turn One followed by Thomas and Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing). Entering Turn Five a chain reaction that started at the back of the pack ended with Thomas and Workman spinning into the grass.

 

Cicero now had a healthy lead going into the Le Mans Chicane, a spot history says you do not want to be in on the final lap of a Mazda MX-5 race at Daytona. However, Cicero managed to build enough of a gap to prevent Gonzalez, Fletcher and Rollan from drafting by him before the checkered flag.

“I was just watching the mirror the whole time,” Cicero said. “They had a whole train coming but my spotter was saying I had a 10- or 12-car gap. I was just hoping we had enough. The MMR car was absolutely on wheels and the team swept the weekend.  To have the DNF yesterday after having such a strong start, we needed redemption today. It never gets old winning races, so I’m so happy to do this today. 

 

“I think there was a small crash behind me and so I ended up with a huge lead and just held on.”

 

Gonzalez crossed the line in second but was issued a 10-second penalty for an incident early in the race, bumping him to ninth in the final results.

 

That gave the runner-up spot to Fletcher, who got his second podium finish of the weekend.

 

“It is definitely nice to be consistent here with two podiums,” Fletcher said. “The car was on fire. I can’t thank the whole McCumbee McAleer team enough, all my sponsors: The Holster Store, Home Decor and More. It has been great. On the last lap, going into the Horseshoe I got hit from behind. Everyone kind of got plowed out of the way. Not sure who it was, but I felt it! For the rest of the season, hopefully I can stay up front and stay consistent and start making new drafting buddies.”

Finishing third, Rollan is still waiting to get that elusive Daytona win, but was happy with third after starting the final lap in 11th place.

 

“It seemed to be similar to yesterday,” Rollan said. “I tried to get as many positions as I could. I saw Jared [Thomas] spinning up top, so I just stayed tight. I got some pushes and I’m happy to be here getting the first podium for Rollan Racing and BSI.”

 

Thursday race winner Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) finished fourth and rookie Noah Harmon (No. 99 Spark Performance) completed the top five.

 

Both MX-5 Cup races at Daytona are available to re-watch on the RACER YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheRacerChannel). 

 

Teams have plenty of time to regroup before Rounds 3 and 4 at Sebring International Raceway, March 13 – 16. For more information visit www.mx-5cup.com. 

[overall ht: #SundayGroupManagement]

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#CES2024 Reveal Of eVTOL XPENG Flying Car

Just as one enters the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, a shrouded object greeted all as the signage heralded all to witness the reveal of this eVTOL mobility solution scheduled to be functional and in use by 2025. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2024) 

#CES2024 Reveal Of eVTOL XPENG Flying Car

Last week at the #CES2024 consumer technology show in Las Vegas, Xpeng Aeroht put on a global reveal of a very unique eVTOL solution to open the show in the West Hall. Xpeng's flying vehicle, named the Land Aircraft Carrier, stood among other flying vehicles on display. Notably, Xpeng was the sole company to provide a timeline for the commencement of commercial sales.

Xpeng Aeroht is set to commence accepting orders for its flying car style eVTOL solution later this year, as announced by the subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Motors. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in late 2025.

The Land Aircraft Carrier is a modular vehicle comprising two segments: a flying module designed for low-altitude transport and a six-wheeled module for terrestrial use. The initial sales of the vehicle will take place in China, with a price tag exceeding 1 million yuan ($140,000). Prospective buyers are expected to have the opportunity to test the vehicles in specified trial areas before finalizing their purchases.

While many competitors in the industry focus on business and public service sectors, Xpeng distinguishes itself by targeting the consumer market. Additionally, at the Las Vegas event, the company showcased a concept electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying car. In contrast to the Land Aircraft Carrier, this vehicle is a unified unit capable of both flying and driving.

Brian Gu, co-president of Xpeng Motors, emphasized that the company's products are tailored for the Chinese market. Xpeng is actively engaged in discussions with regulators regarding the gradual introduction of flying cars in the country.

ADDITIONAL Reference Here >>>

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GRAVITY By LUCID Debuts At LA Auto Show Press Day

GRAVITY rear panel roofing branding element. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

GRAVITY By LUCID Debuts At LA Auto Show Press Day

What could possibly capture the old feeling, of the class in an automobile season opening reveal, of a new manufacturer's model, at the LA Auto Show Press Day 2023? 

Why of course, the first presentation of the day scheduled at the LUCID Motors booth - 9:00am, during AutoMobility LA in the West Exhibit Hall just to the right of the glass entry way doors.

LUCID pulled out all of the stops with a fist class presentation pavilion filled with great introduction music during the countdown leading into an impressive script and slideshow to introduce LUCID's answer to America's obsession with the modern day station wagon turned luxury assault vehicle ... the SUV.

Welcome to the 7 passenger, 3.6 miles per kWh, tow 6000 pounds, haul 1500 pounds, over 440 miles on a single charge - with a smaller battery footprint, coefficient of drag of less than 0.24, an aerodynamic profile unsurpassed by any other three-row SUV, all-new platform that shares its powertrain with the Air sedan, under $80,000 GRAVITY EV SUV.

Introducing the Lucid Gravity: Redefining the Electric SUV

** The new Lucid Gravity heralds the dawn of a new era for electric Sport Utility Vehicles: an unprecedented combination of attributes previously unseen in a single vehicle and a projected range in excess of 440 miles.

** Lucid innovations in EV technology and packaging deliver an expansive, luxurious interior for up to seven adults and their belongings, without the huge exterior and poor maneuverability often associated with traditional full-size, three-row SUVs.

** Featuring a brand-new SUV platform and next generation of Lucid’s award-winning, proprietary electric powertrain, Gravity will deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

** Lucid proved its capability in producing an extraordinary, acclaimed luxury EV sedan; now Gravity opens Lucid to the far larger SUV market.

** Lucid Gravity lands in late 2024. As with Lucid Air, pricing for Gravity will start under $80,000.

Technology breakout of a LUCID powertrain engine. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Gravity Design: A Balance of Form and Function

“At Lucid, we believe in pushing the boundaries of design. We have leaned into this belief to maximize spaciousness, aerodynamic efficiency, and utility, resulting in an electric SUV with a previously unseen blend of attributes,” said Derek Jenkins, Senior Vice President of Design and Brand at Lucid. “Whether it’s a cargo-swallowing SUV for family camping trips or a long-range grand tourer covering hundreds of miles between stops, Gravity is designed to be versatile.  Our team’s dedication to creating an SUV that seamlessly fuses form and function has resulted in a vehicle that’s visually striking, incredibly versatile, and provides an elevated luxury driving experience.”

Lucid’s commitment to design excellence, spacious interiors, and versatility further sets Gravity apart from the competition. The exterior design choices are a testament to Gravity’s fusion of aesthetics and utility. A focus on efficiency has led to a target coefficient of drag of less than 0.24,³ an aerodynamic profile unsurpassed by other three-row SUVs. With a commanding presence supported by a substantial frunk, sleek profile, elongated cabin, pronounced shoulders, and sporty tail spoiler, Gravity showcases its ability to meet the diverse needs of the daily driver.

Always attempt to design for desire is a LUCID trait. Mid-Mod meets Aero-Sculpted. Image Credit: LUCID Motors (2023)

Inside, Gravity impresses with ample and flexible cargo areas. The cabin offers spacious seating, with the added convenience of second and third-row seats that fold flat to reveal more than 112 cubic feet of total usable cargo space for an effortless combination of comfort and cargo capacity. The sliding second row seats combine with integrated convenience tables for an elevated back-seat experience. Remarkable legroom is carried through to the third row, enabling a comfortable seven-passenger configuration, making it the ideal vehicle for every adventure.

Gravity represents a definitive evolution of Lucid’s user interface, called Clearview Cockpit, featuring an intuitive 34-inch curved and uninterrupted OLED display that floats above Gravity’s innovative new steering wheel, closely matched with the driver’s line of sight. Lucid’s Pilot Panel returns in Gravity with a quick access touch bar and sitting alongside a new glass center console that elegantly slides open for additional storage. This SUV also introduces Lucid’s next-generation software with over-the-air updates, ensuring continued vehicle improvement.

[REFERENCE HERE]

The most classy reveal held during the Automobility LA Press Day for the LA Auto Show and this one was held as the first automaker presentation of the day. 

This reveal performance was missed by many attendees who showed up late or were only interested in the art cars and Hollywood Auto Collections that filled halls that were formally owned by marques like Porsche ... that just celebrated their 75th year in business through the Rennsport Reunion 7 held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, for example.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #LAAUTOSHOW, #2023, #LUCID, #GRAVITY, #Reveal, #Frunking, #$80K, #EVHNews, #EVVTOL, #AUTOMOBILITYLA, The EDJE

J+ BOOSTER 2 Brings Industrial Tubular Spark Solution To SEMA 2023

J+ BOOSTER 2 booth backdrop at SEMA 2023 showing all of the pickup and go usefulness of this multiplayer adapter/charger. This portable EV Charging solution is even compatible with household 110/120v outlets and may give one a quick 6 miles of range in one hour. A great solution when one is travelling outside of their normal template of multi-hour charging opportunities. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews.com (2023)

J+ BOOSTER 2 Brings Industrial Tubular Spark Solution To SEMA 2023

Kit Tags Along Easily To Smooth Rough Edges Of Random & Vacation Airbnb Style Travels

Once one decides to have their main source of mobility be an EV platform, one accommodates themselves to the existing electric charging lay of the land that allows for a relatively seamless flow of having a vehicle with enough charge, in the high 95+ percentile, in order to enjoy an uninterrupted travel experience. They know where the most open and quick charging stations exist along their planned route from home to where they work, shop, and maintain relationships, and back to home base again, day in and day out.

After a time, this all becomes routine and everything becomes "in its place" for a simple and successful EV experience. Where this comfort becomes a little less available is when one wishes to travel to visit family and friends, or travel for vacation and other outreach experiences that are outside of one's daily living experience. 

Enter the professionally built industrial grade aluminum tube EVSE (Electric Vehicle Service Equipment) portable charger/adapter J+ BOOSTER 2. The portable wall charger for all EV's. No electrician needed. Charge up to 7x faster, installation-free.

Juice Americas, a subsidiary of Juice Technology - based in Switzerland, has a mission to simplify home and travel charging with the J+ BOOSTER 2, a portable charger designed for level 1 and level 2 charging for electric vehicles. The company employs this charger on their own electric vehicles almost exclusively to assess its performance and durability.

 Hyundai IONIQ 6 World Car Of The Year. Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Corporation (2023)

Plastic components, while a means to a build end, are not a truly professional and serious build for a potential everyday usage. Image Credit: Hyundai Motor Corporation (2023)

The importance of this portable equipment option be included in one's Electric Vehicle choice has been supported most recently through Hyundai including their portable adapter charging cable with each and every Hyundai IONIQ 6 which was recently named "World Car Of The Year" by a panel of 102 Journalist from 30 countries.

The J+ BOOSTER 2 is designed to endure harsh conditions and significant weight through its rugged military-grade casing and robust power output, perfect for the first time user. Image Credit: electrek.co (2023)

First time owners need to be aware that many plastic, wall-mounted residential electric vehicle charging units lack durability as they simply hang on the wall with no other purpose. In contrast, the J+ BOOSTER 2 is designed to endure harsh conditions and significant weight. This solution, for the first time EV mobility solution user allows for one to have an instant charging station at home before one decides on a permanent station. 

In addition, this adapter/charger can also be used at a second home, a trip to a family home visit, even on an Airbnb secure home stay. This industrial strength aluminum tube unit boasts an IP67 rating, providing resistance to dust and water, and it's robust enough to withstand the weight of a 5,000-pound electric car. This has been tested by running over the J+ BOOSTER 2 with a car on several separate occasions.

Image Credit: Pricepulse (2023)

This level of durability may appear to be a mere novelty, but it proves incredibly practical. These charging units are often situated in precarious locations, straddling the garage or positioned in the path of vehicle tires. With the J+ BOOSTER 2, the fear of damaging the charger is alleviated, addressing a common concern for new electric vehicle owners - we live in a Human world.

Industrial grade aluminum tube houses and protects charging circuitry. Image Credit: Pricepulse (2023)

Ultimately, having control over the options on just how and when one can assure access and capture of the required power for one's mobility needs is key to a positive experience in EV transportation and its continued use. The smart 1st time EV buyer would be well served to purchase 2 of these - one to keep wall mounted in the garage, and the other in the trunk.

The J+ BOOSTER 2 delivers a robust industrial grade tubular solution at a cost of well under $1,000.00 that protects the flexibility to charge most anytime and most anywhere. A tubular spark with the ability of being one's first Homebase mounted unit as well as travel companion for use in directed convenience or emergency stress charging situations.

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TAGS: J+ BOOSTER 2, portable, SEMA, 2023, EVSE, durable, Juice Americas, adapters, homebase mounted, unit, travel companion, industrial grade, tubular, The EDJE

SEMA 2023 Issues Inaugural Best Engineered Vehicle Award To '23 Cobra Venom By Scorpion EV

Cobra Venom EVs are ready to strike - like lightening - at the famed Willow Springs "Big Willow" course where they will cruse through the "Omega Turn" with ease. Image Credit: Scorpion EV (2023)  

SEMA 2023 Issues Inaugural Best Engineered Vehicle Award To '23 Cobra Venom By Scorpion EV

Announced in mid-September 2023, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) put forward a special new award to recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" honors and celebrates a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance. 

The first ever SEMA "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" goes to? ... the '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV.

Scorpion EV, the company in Temecula, California that converts classic AC Cobra cars to electric power wins fist "Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award" at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 2, 2023. Karen Salvaggio holds the award trophy as Bill Cardoso and staff pose next to the innovating '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV at the Scorpion EV Booth #24513, Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

"Venom" is an electric vehicle (EV) conversion car designed to demonstrate the ease with which internal combustion engine vehicles can be converted to electric power. The car showcases Scorpion EV's Venom EV conversion kit, which solves the challenges related to EV conversions by providing the DIY builder with a complete, turnkey solution.

"As a small company with a passion for EVs and one that's pushing the envelope for this rapidly growing sector of the market, the Team at Scorpion EV is very proud to be creating a product that can be used by the very core of our industry, which is the DIY builders, shop owners and guy or girl working in their garage at home," said Karen Salvaggio of Scorpion EV. "This award is a recognition of the power of a team who believe in dreaming, designing and truly building the future! When you look around the Show and witness all of the incredible builds and envelope-pushing designs gracing these halls, just to be nominated for the Best Engineered Vehicle Award is a true honor."

Huge Thanks to Dr. Bill Cardoso for his vision and incredible engineering skills in bringing this truly ground-breaking, game-changing product to market. Honestly such an honor to be recognized by your peers and industry leaders for the hard work and all of the effort it takes to imagine, design, build and create a whole new lane in the market. Image Credit: Karen Salvaggio (2023)

Earlier during the show, Scorpion EV and the all new Venom EV Conversion Kit made the Top 3 Finalists for Best New EV Product in the 2023 SEMA New Products Showcase - and was further recognized in the Global Media Award for best new product application in International and Global markets! 

Quite a SEMA Show for a local Southern California outfit. Just keeping the motor culture spirit alive in the geography where it all began.

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Protocol Paused LA Sportswalk Of Fame Inductions Resume In San Pedro

Event environment and retired battleship USS Iowa, moored in San Pedro, acts as the anchor site for the The 2023 Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame inductees Image Credit: LA Sportswalk Of Fame (2023)

Protocol Paused LA Sportswalk Of Fame Inductions Resume In San Pedro

Following the tumult created through our civic response to the threats perceived from an experimental virus that escaped from a lab in Wuhan China, the resumption of, after a protocol three year pause due to COVID-19, the Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame presentations were held October 9th, 2023, amid a great and anticipatory crowd primarily of folks local to San Pedro.

Los Angeles Sportswalk inductees pose with presenters to capture the 2023 class on the USS Iowa. Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

San Pedro, renowned for its prolific production of exceptional athletes, saw the inception of the San Pedro Sportswalk in 1978, a visionary idea proposed by former city Councilman John S. Gibson. This initiative sought to honor outstanding collegiate, Olympic, and professional athletes who had emerged from the city. Reminiscent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Sportswalk adorned Beacon Street District with bronze plaques, each bearing the name of a sports luminary and a symbolic representation of their respective sport.

Main deck of the USS Iowa. Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

A period of hiatus for the Sportswalk occurred from 1998 to 2004. However, the Sportswalk to the Waterfront committee undertook the revival of this esteemed event as part of a broader strategy to breathe new life into San Pedro's historic downtown and establish a connection to its waterfront. This resurgence marked not only the return of the Sportswalk but also signaled the revitalization of the Beacon Street District.

Master of ceremonies FOX Sports college football analyst and a San Pedro USC football family standout Petros Papadakis. Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023) 

This annual celebration takes place in October and is orchestrated by the Sportswalk to the Waterfront committee. The Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame has expanded to include Local, Regional, National Athletes along with Coaches (Trani Award), and Veteran Services Members (Tillman Award), and Special Individuals Sports (Sports Humanitarian Award).

The Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame encompasses a diverse array of sports categories, reflecting the multifaceted achievements of San Pedro's athletes. These categories include Auto Racing, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Coaching and Leadership, Fitness, Football, Hockey, Horse Racing, Media, Softball, Surfing and Water Sports, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Water Polo. Each bronze plaque, meticulously crafted, stands as a testament to the indelible mark left by San Pedro's sporting legends, forever enshrined in the city's history.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

The 2023 Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame inductees and their respective awards are as follows:

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

1. ** Bryan Bero ** - Local Athlete Award:

   - Bero was a standout athlete, including playing football at Bishop Montgomery High School and the University of Utah.

   - He was a four-year football letterman and three-year starter at fullback for the University of Utah.

   - Bero holds the Utah record for most receptions in a season by a running back.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

2. ** Alex Gray ** - Local and International Award:

   - Gray is a professional surfer known for riding some of the largest waves in the world.

   - He has been featured on the cover of prominent surf magazines and has won competitions such as the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Tour event.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

3. ** John Papadakis ** - Trani Award:

   - Papadakis was a highly accomplished athlete in high school, excelling in football, baseball, and track.

   - He continued his success at USC, where he was a star middle linebacker.

   - Papadakis authored "Turning of the Tide," a book recounting the historic 1970 USC/Alabama game.

   - He has been active in the community and was involved in advocating for San Pedro's waterfront development.

4. ** Fred Roggin ** - Humanitarian Award:

   - Roggin is a retired sports anchor known for his career at KNBC-TV and as a co-host of a sports talk radio show.

   - He hosted the NBC sports coverage of the 2008 Special Olympics and received numerous awards for his sports broadcasting.

   - Roggin continues to work in radio alongside former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

5. **The Trani Majestic Family ** - Lifetime Achievement Award:

   - The Trani family, including Lou, Jim, Jack, John, and Phil, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

   - Their restaurant, Trani's Majestic Cafe, was a Southern California sports institution and played a pivotal role in establishing the Sportswalk Of Fame in San Pedro.

   - They were avid supporters of local sports teams and brought star power to the port community through their restaurant.

Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)

6. ** Kim M. White ** - Community Service Award:

   - Kim White is a triathlete with a doctorate and an extensive background in athletic competitions.

   - She has competed in numerous triathlons, marathons, cycling tours, and swimming events.

   - White has been involved in community service, including organizing the New Year's Day swim at Cabrillo Beach and serving as an officer for the Cabrillo Beach Polar Bear Club.

   - She is also a personal trainer, triathlon coach, and the first female exalted ruler for the San Pedro Elks Lodge.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the world of sports and their communities, earning them recognition and awards in the 2023 Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame induction.

It was grand to share time in the company of honorees and those who appreciated their accomplishments, again in a face to face gathering of like minded souls through this historic setting in San Pedro.

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Rennsport Reunion 7 Debuts The Porsche Mission X Concept Car

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)