As we welcome 2026, I want to wish each of you a very Happy New Year and sincerely thank the members and staff for everything you’ve done to make the Inland Empire Wing the organization it is today. I am truly honored to begin serving as your Wing Leader for 2026.
Many of you know parts of my story, but, I’d like to share a bit more of my story and why the CAF means so much to me. I am a California native, born and raised in Anaheim, and a graduate of Cal State Long Beach, where I earned a degree in Manufacturing Engineering.
Indian Motorcycles are my life’s work
My family’s involvement with Indian Motorcycles dates back to 1918, when my grandfather opened an Indian dealership in Akron, Ohio. My father, Bob Stark, was laid off from Hughes Aircraft due to too many mechanical engineers In 1970. So he returned fully to his true calling and founded Starklite Cycle in Fullerton California. What began as a restoration-focused shop grew into one of the world’s most respected suppliers of reproduction parts for antique Indian motorcycles, serving collectors worldwide.
Growing Up Starklite
At age four, I was given my first 1947 Indian Chief, with one condition: it had to be fully restored by my 16th birthday, or it would be sold. At five, I was riding a 50cc Indian Papoose.
Days before my 16th birthday, I completed the restoration of my “Blue Rainbow” Indian Chief. Which I still own and ride today.
By the late 1980s, Starklite moved to Perris, California, and I joined the business full-time. After graduating from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, I helped expand Starklite’s reproduction parts catalog to more than 3,000 parts, ensuring accuracy, and authenticity.
In 2001, I officially took over parts sales and operations, becoming the third generation of Starks to lead the business. We supported clubs, shared knowledge, and helped keep thousands of Indian motorcycles on the road.
After the passing of my parents in 2015, I continued carrying that legacy forward. In 2024, after nearly four decades, I retired and sold Starklite Cycle. Today, the company lives on as Kurly’s Starklite CyclefF
Family Life:
In 1994, I married the love of my life, Dana. Together we raised three incredible, successful daughters, and in 2025 we became grandparents for the first time, with another grandchild expected in 2026.
Dana has a deep love for animals, and together we’ve fostered rescue dogs through various organizations over the years. We live on a five-acre horse property near Lake Mathews, where we currently have eight hay burners.
One of our favorite activities is horse camping, loading up the horses and traveling with our motorhome.
Aviation and Warbirds
I began my flying career in 2010. I found out it was quicker to fly to UCSB to pick up our daughter for the holidays than driving to get her. My First CFI was our very own, Daniel Wotring, who gave me my primary and tailwheel training in his C170. Like many who discover aviation later in life, I wish I had done it sooner andI was hooked on warbirds.
Over the years, I’ve owned and flown a number of aircraft, including a Cessna 150, Cessna 177, and Tecnam P2006T twin. My warbird experience has included ownership of a North American T-6 Texan and a Douglas DC-3/C-53, and today I fly a Boeing Stearman PT-17, North American T-28, Bonanza F33A, and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor (in process).
In 2018, I joined the Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, and in 2019 I had the honor of participating in the D-Day Doll mission to Normandy. What an experience that showed how many people care about the history we are preserving.
IEW –
For the past two years, I’ve served in a staff role, working with our volunteers and staff who give their time, talent, and passion to the CAF. On January 1, 2026, I step into the role of Wing Leader. Eagerly looking forward to keep an emphasis on our mission to honor, inspire and educate.
From motorcycles to warbirds, from engineering to family, my life has been about vintage modes of transport, and sharing my knowledge. I look forward to the year ahead and working with you to keep our community of enthusiasts moving the wing ahead. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, and especially ideas, please reach out to me and let’s make 2026 a year to celebrate our milestones yet to come. Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me for this opportunity and I hope I will not disappoint.
Sincerely,
Gary Stark
IEW – Wing Leader
