Motorcycle champ remembered

Huntington Beach native Kelly Moran, a two-time U.S. motorcycle racing national champion , died Sunday from complications from emphysema. He was 49.

A public memorial service is at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. It will be held prior to the Spring Classic Speedway races.

Moran was a U.S. national champion in 1983 and 1984. Riding for British clubs, he previously finished fourth at the world championships in 1979 and 1982.

He was nicknamed “Jelly Man” and “The Wizard of Balance” for the way he would hang off his motorcycle while cornering.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund in Moran’s honor. They can be made at www.briggo.net.

— Matt Szabo