Doug Chandler and Wayne Rainey invited to sign autographs at
High Gear Powersports grand opening
By Betsy Avelar Staff Writer
Gilroy – Motorcycle legends Doug Chandler and Wayne Rainey signed autographs Tuesday at the High Gear Powersports grand opening on Monterey Road.
“I think its extremely important that people know that these two world class athletes decided to come to Gilroy,” said Dave Bennett, 40, owner of the store.
The grand opening served to attract business for Bennett’s motocycle shop, and it also was a favor Chandler was returning for Bennet’s sponsorship of Friday’s races in Monterey.
“Dave and all the people at high gear decided to help me, and I’m trying to continue racing and as well as start my own team. I’m returning the favor coming up here to the open house and enjoying myself.” At 40, Chandler still loves motorcycles and hopes to continue a career in motorcycling even if it doesn’t involve him raving on the track. “My days are numbered as a racer, but I’ve been doing it since 1972; you do something long enough it’s part of you, and that’s something I want to continue, maybe not racing so much but still go to the races.”
The evening consisted of autograph signing, photo taking, a product showcase, refreshments and a raffle for two tickets to the Motto GP racing event at Laguna Seca in Monterey Friday.
“I had a guy who wanted me to sign somebody else’s picture that he though was me, so I had to argue with the guy and say ‘no that’s not me’. So we had a few witnesses and we figured out it wasn’t me,” said Rainey.
Chris Sid, 16, a Morgan Hill resident, also came to get his posters autographed, but he also had his eye on the tickets for the races in Monterey. He was unable to get tickets since they had sold out for the event, but he received a surprise when he won the tickets at the event.
“I feel stoked, now I get to take two of my (friends). I needed two more tickets, but I couldn’t get a hold of them, they were sold out. It was a coincidence, I was looking for them so bad.” Sid and his friends will be seeing Chandler in action once again at the Laguna Seca race next week.
