RedLine History from a Kastan Family Perspective

In the beginning, there was sound. Motorcycle sound.

10 to 15 750s wide open past the bleachers before flicking it sideways and heading down the back straight. There was no need for brakes. Triumph, Harley, BSA, Yamaha, Norton and more were present. Everyone was looking for that little something extra and RedLine was right in the middle of it. This was the early 1970s, a glorious and deadly era for Flat Track Racing. It was also the high stakes training ground that would prepare my dad to elevate a growing sport. BMX.

Legendary Ascot Park

Every Friday night, we were at Ascot Park Raceway in Gardena, California. It was very near where we lived in the San Fernando Valley and it was a top level facility of the day. The racing was crazy fierce!

You may have spotted my dad in the white jacket on the right, but the rider was his good, good friend and original RedLine guy, Lloyd Houchins. The #29 bike in the above magazine article was his. Sadly, Lloyd was killed in a racing incident in May of 1973. I was only six, but I remember it too well. His family was close to mine and he also had a young son. Devastating.

I'll be adding a lot to this section. I could do a ton on the flat track racing alone, but I'll move on to bicycles quickly.

The RedLine history page will continue. Stay tuned!