2018 California Speedway News

Ridgecrest

Glad to announce we have been invited back to Ridgecrest to stage a speedway race June 15 2019. This year we could not find a workable date. The 2017 race was excellent! Mark your calendars!

Steve Evans (December 14, 2018)

2018 AMA/FIM North American Speedway Final

Results are Here

Supplementary Regulations Revised
AMA / FIM North America Speedway Final

Supplementary Regulations
AMA / FIM North America Speedway Final

Two spots in the 2019 World Championship Qualifiers up for grabs at AMA FIM North America Speedway Final. The top two finishers on December 8th at Perris will be invited to represent the USA in June in Speedway Grand Prix Qualifying Rounds. The USA have one spot in Glasgow and a second at Lamothe in France. The top 4 in those races go to the Final Round at Gorican Croatia in August. The winner in December 8 will be given choice of which round to partake in.

Due to overwhelming rider demand two spots in the December 8 Perris blockbuster will be raced off for ahead of the main show. (November 22, 2018)

Manzares, Dillon Ruml, Fox, Wells, Green, Nicol, Max Ruml, Becker, and Janniro are ready for 2018 AMA/FIM North American Speedway Final

We caught up with Gino Manzares today ahead of the 8 December American Final.

Perris Raceway: You’ve spent the summer racing in England. Tell us how you feel about the big race coming up in two weeks on this side of the pond.

Gino: I’m really looking to racing in the American Final its a meeting I’ve always wanted to compete in. I’ve been home a couple weeks now and have been doing nothing but working and training every day.

PR: Do you feel that’s this race returning after a 17 year absence is a step forward for American Speedway?

Gino: I feel like this is the biggest one off meeting that USA speedway will ever see. The line up is truly something special. My goal for the event is to make starts and race hard and let the results work itself out.

PR: Are you thinking ahead to the Grand Prix Rounds for next year?

Gino: I feel like getting through the meeting first before I think of any plans but those who know me know my ambitions .

PR: You are an immensely popular rider in the USA. Any message to the fans over here who have a rare chance to see you on home dirt?

Gino: I honestly hope to see a major crowd at Perris raceway Dec 8th because this will be a meeting nobody will want to miss. I will be giving it my all and it’s really a must see event for anyone who loves American Speedway.

PR: Thanks Gino, best of luck.

Look for our next pre-event interview tomorrow!

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Today we caught up with 2018 California State Champion Dillon Ruml ahead of the AMA FIM North America Speedway Final.

Perris Speedway: Dillon, you have had an exceptional 2018 season. How are you looking forward to December 8 at Perris?

Dillon: I’m excited and looking forward to the return of the North American Speedway final. It’s really cool to see the meeting back on the schedule giving American riders an opportunity to excel to the GP qualifiers.

PS: What’s the game plan going into an event like this?

Dillon: The plan simply put is to win but with 16 of the best riders America has to currently offer, I believe it could be anyone’s game.

PS: Top two on the night get invited to represent USA in the 2019 SGP Qualifying Rounds. How does that factor in to your mindset?

Dillon: We feel great about it and are excited to try to put some points on the board and gain a spot into the GP qualifiers. If so, we will make our next moves accordingly but until then, the focus is performing at my best at the meeting and putting points on the board.

Thanks Dillon! Well done on a great 2018!

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Our latest pre event interview is with current US Open and 2 time National Champ Aaron Fox.

Perris Speedway: Thanks for joining us Aaron. It looks like our big race changed your winter plans? How are your preps going?

Aaron: With just under two weeks left before the AMA FIM American Speedway Final, I’m feeling optimistic considering there haven’t been any meetings since the regular season’s nationals. Initially I had all my equipment stripped down ready for rebuild but learned that we would have a very big event coming in December. My original plans were to use winter to rebuild all my bikes in preparation for 2019, though it looks like I now have to get a head start and complete two race bikes by December 8th (laughs). I ended the regular season on a high note with some great results so I feel like I have can make an impact in this upcoming meeting.

PR: What are your goals for the event?

Aaron: My goals for the event are to make starts like a madman and put as many points on the board as possible. Obviously we all want to win, however with this deep of a field, you have to have a lot of luck, make all starts, and never allow yourself to be passed while in front. Anybody can win this meeting so a good draw is very important and starting gate positions will be crucial.

PR: Would you go back to Europe for the GP Qualifiers if you place top 2?

Aaron: If I happen to qualify into the rounds to follow, I’ll begin really focusing on expenses, fitness, and dieting. When you compete anywhere in Europe, you have to be above your ‘A’ game and be as sharp as possible. I’ve been over there quite a bit now and I know what it’s going to take to have a solid shot in those next qualifying rounds.

PR: Any last words for the fans?

Aaron: I’m excited to see what this event will bring, I expect a solid turnout with fans and kids, and hope for some of the best racing. This is a great chance for new people to come out enjoy speedway and grow our local fan base here in the States. Our talent pool right now is at the highest I have seen since I’ve began racing and surely it will continue to expand. Let’s do this!

PR: Thanks Aaron! See you on the 8th!

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Ricky Wells, who has been the recent USA rider in the GP Qualifiers is today's interview.

Perris Speedway: Welcome home Ricky! You've had a great 2018 leading the Edinburgh Monarch and racing in Europe. Tell us about coming back to race in the USA?

RW: The meeting on the 8th of December is an exciting one. I don't race that much in America, but when I do get the opportunity I am always pretty keen to do it. Being at Perris makes it a little more appealing to me... it is a track size that is similar to Edinburgh. For me, it would be hard to come back and race on the small tracks (Costa Mesa, Industry etc)... last time I raced on a small track was the Monster Invitational in 2013.

PS: You've done the GP Rounds for the last few years, keeping USA alive in these events. Now it's all to race for. What are your goals on the night?

RW: Goal would be to win it. I am not going to be happy if I don't win its simple really! But its a solid line up, I have sent engines, bikes etc back home really just for this meeting... so I guess you could say I am taking it serious.

PS: We should safely assume you will be doing the Rounds in Europe if you make the top 2?

RW: Yeah. Plans if qualify.. .well there's 2 rounds one in Glasgow, the other in France. Probably the two closest rounds I would ever have, ha! They are tough meetings...there is always one easier round out of the 4/5 rounds but there's no escaping the competition. The new format which is top 3 into the final, and cuts out the semi final thing makes it tougher as well. Cool with two qualification spots though, makes sense when there is guys like Broc, Gino, Becker etc making their way to Europe.

Thanks Ricky. We appreciate you making it home to race!

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Today’s interview is Russell Green. Russell has been one of the backbone racers in American Speedway for many years and twice has raced overseas for the Dream Team and USA Under 21 Team. He also has hit form with a stunning double Main win at Perris on October 20th, Nick Varner Night.

Perris Speedway: Thanks for joining us Russell. You’ve hit form in our recent events and you are now lining up in what is essentially a World Championship race at Perris on December 8. Tell us how you feel about this?

RG: Racing The American Final has always been my dream &. it’s still so unreal to me that I’m considered one of the top 16 riders in the US. I’m excited to be a part of this event &. to show what I can bring to the table. It’s now or never! This is what we all strive for as racers.

PS: It’s quite an amazing line up for sure. How do you feel you will do?

RG: It’s going to be fast paced, high adrenaline, and everyone is hungry for those top two positions, including myself! My goals for this event is to obviously give it all I’ve got, leave it all on the line. No holding back! I want to give the fans a new prospective on American Speedway. I want to prove to myself that I have what it takes to run with the pack, that all of the hard work &. sleepless nights my team &. myself put into my racing program, day in &. day out, is all worth it. Most importantly, I wanna send a message to everyone that it’s not all about having top of the line equipment, it’s about the type of rider you’re willing to become &. the people you have in your corner.

PS: We can see your desire and it’s quite exciting to get your views. Do you plan to go overseas if you place top two for the June 8th Qualifiers?

RG: My plan if I qualify is to live the American dream! I’m ready to represent our beautiful country &. to go over there &. learn because there’s always room for improvements. I’m in the spot in my career where it’s the perfect time to take this step &. I feel like I’m more ready than I’ve ever been. I’m ready to stand on the podium with my team, my beautiful girlfriend, &. my dog and say, “Damn, we did it! This is why we do what we do, for this moment right here!

Awesome Russell! Best of luck for the event, as you proved on October 20, you can beat the best as your are a part of the best!

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Broc Nicol joins us in today’s American Final preview interview. Broc produced some amazing rides to win at Perris 4 weeks ago and no doubt has his eye on repeating in 8 days time.

Perris Speedway: Great job winning last time out on your racing return from Britain. How you feel about the event next week?

Broc: I think this American final is going to be an awesome event! I can’t say I’ve always dreamed of wanting to race in it, because it hasn’t been around for me to necessarily worry about. Now that it’s back on the circuit I’m looking forward to getting it underway. It’s a pretty good line up, it gives everyone a fair chance to try and snag the two GP qualifying spots that the USA gets.

PA: Tell us your goals for the event?

BN: My goals for the event are to win it. What kind of racer would I be if I didn’t go into each event wanting to win? I’ve learned a lot this past season. I believe it was shown at the last Perris event I won. When there's a line up like this, everyone seems to step their game up a bit. I’m sure there will be some pretty good racing. I’m looking forward to it, to hopefully prove some more points along the way.

PS: What ate your plans if you qualify?

BN: If I finish top 2, I plan to do the GP qualifier. A GP qualifier is no walk in the park. It’s an extremely hard event that’s very costly, but I’m 100% in on it. It’s something I can benefit from in many ways. I’m always looking for any opportunities or chances that can help me grow as a racer.

PS: Any other words for the fans? Will you be going back to Europe next season?

BN: I like racing my bike more than talking about racing my bike. I look forward to scoring some points and seeing you all there. Of course, I’m also excited to get back racing overseas. I’ll be announcing my signing soon. And I would like to say Hello to the Hagon family, hope your all enjoying your time while I’m gone! Hahah

Thanks Broc! See you next week! — with Broc Nicol.

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We caught up with Mad Max Ruml today ahead of the AMA FIM North America Final next week. Max won another AMA #1 plate with a Best Pairs title at Perris in August.

Perris Speedway: Thanks for joining us today Max! How are your peeps and plans going ahead of the race?

Max: I feel very good about the meeting ahead. My mechanic Lewis Hughes and I have a solid game plan and we’re very confident that we will do well.

PS: what’s your goal for the night?

Max: The ultimate goal is to win the meeting and I believe we have as good of a chance as anyone. If I qualify I will definitely speak to my people around me and plan the next move but until then, the focus is on the meeting itself. I’m very excited for American Final and very happy to be apart of the event!

PS: Since you returned to the USA you’ve been part of an impressive race team set up. Tell ya about that:

Max: I would like to give a special shout out to Lewis Hughes and Mark Carpenter for all the help they have given me these past few months! Lewis is the man and does everything he can to help support my racing and for that I’m absolutely blessed. His equipment is top of the line and I’m honored to be representing such a professional and great group of people behind him.

PS: Thanks Max it for sure takes a team! See you in 7 days and bring us your wheelies!

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Luke Becker is today’s interview ahead of Saturday’s ground breaking American Final.

Perris Speedway: We’ve noticed you like the Perris track! How are you looking forward to Saturday?

LB: I feel prepared and ready to give it 110%. It’s awesome to see the American Final be brought back giving everyone an equal chance at earning a spot in the GP qualifying rounds. Races like these are what actually bring out the best riders USA has to offer and makes for some of the most exciting racing people over here get to see. I’m really looking forward to this event and i am going to use all the tools/experience I gained racing over in Europe this year.

PS: What’s your game plan?

LB: My goal is to end up on top of the podium which i am sure is everyone else’s goal as well. I feel confidence is a huge factor in speedway and I feel I got what it takes to win this if I stay determined/focused. Also, I want the fans and everyone who comes out to walk away after the nights over saying that was some of the best racing they have seen in a long time.

PS: Will you be doing the GP Rounds if you make it through?

LB: Plans if I qualify are definitely to take up the opportunity and start working out all the planning to make this happen. To know you are participating in a QP qualifying round, let alone just that experience, is something that is a goal of mine making me that much more hungry to get one of those spots December 8th.

PS: We are very excited you will be at Wolverhampton in 2019, a great club for Americans over the years. Tell us how you feel about that?

LB: 2019 is definitely going to be a huge and busy year for myself; I am really looking forward to it. A big thank you goes out to my sponsors, family, clubs, and all supporters because without all of it none of it would be possible. Hope to see everyone out at Perris this Saturday night!

PS: We will see you there! Thanks Luke!

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9 time AMA National Champion Billy Janniro caught up with us today ahead of the AMA FIM North America Final.

Perris Speedway: Congratulations on winning your record breaking 9th AMA title. Tell us how you are feeling ahead of Saturday?

Billy J: My main focus is to be racing Ricky Wells. I was also looking forward to racing Fisher.

PS: Ricky essentially hit the British League about when you came back home. Must be great to get the chance to race with him?

Billy J: Its going to be awesome I really haven’t gotten to race Ricky very much over the last 5 or 10 years so to be able to race against him. I grew up racing with Ryan and Ricky’s always been a great competitor and I respect them for that.

PS: You made the GP Challenge, the final race which puts the top 3 into next years GP Series in 2003 at Poole. This probably makes you the closest American to getting into SGP. Having dominated America since you came home 10 years ago, do you see yourself running the GP Rounds?

BJ: No. I’ll be handing my spot down to the next guy if I make the top 2 but I’m in it for the win on Saturday!

PS: Thanks a lot Billy!

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Today’s American Final interview is with speedway legend Moose Knuckles, also known as Mike Dilkey by those who owe him beer.

Perris Speedway: Mike, tell us how you are preparing for the big race.

Moose: I’ve taken out a gym membership. I haven’t been yet as that’s really too big a step at this stage. I’ve also been researching lettuce on the internet.

PS: Tell us about your glittering speedway career.

MD: It went so fast really. It seemed to be over quicker than the average lifespan of a fairground goldfish.

PS: What’s your plan for the big day? Any predictions on a winner?

MD: I intend to have a 12 pack downed by intermission. I’ll find out who won on Speedway NorCal the next day. For all I know on the night it could be Beachball.

PS: Are you pulling a huge wheelie on your picture or are you just pleased to see us?

MD: I’ll be pleased to see Crazy Chris drink his body weight in Pibb.

PS: Mike we’d love to keep talking but those event flyers won’t get themselves out. Four more hours and we’ll buy you something of the dollar menu at Burger King.

MD: f@@! &$f

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Crazy Chris American Final Interview with the man calling the action!

Perris Speedway: How are you looking forward to Saturday?

CC: I am so excited for Saturday's meeting. In my now, over a decade of professional sports announcing, there are some races that stand out over others, the first Commotion By the Ocean at Ventura Raceway as one example. The North American Speedway Final is guaranteed to be one of those events. The calibre of riders, the format of the race our incredibly loud and boisterous Perris Speedway fans, is a perfect combination to make this event no one will soon forget and I am so honored to be voice for the event!

PS: What is exciting for you about calling this race?

CC: As I mentioned the calibre of riders and the format make this race so fun, and behind the scenes it will be Crazy chaotic, which is so exciting (I love a challenge) plus makes me step up my game as an announcer. Not only will I be calling the races, but will also be live at the same time voicing the PPV for Tommy Mason and our friends at Low Budget TV, doing pit interviews in the afternoon for the PPV (to run during track prep), running our Annual Toy Drive, do giveaways, handle fan requests and so much more! I thank God for our great staff, with a special shout-out to my scorekeepers Jessi DuBios and Jackie Stewart. I swear I only sound as half as good as I am because of Jessi next to me, giving me the information need at a moment's notice without fail. In the end though the most exciting thing to me are the fans, plain and simple. Without them, there would be no point. The love and energy they give me, just makes me work so much harder to make sure that each and every spectator leaves the event feeling like they had a hand in making the show not only fun to watch, but also part of the excitement. The love I get back from the fans, gives me so much energy! Whether its 10 fans in the stands or 5,000 I have always put out the same amount of passion, but the energy I will get back from them on Saturday, will be unlike anything I have experienced in some time, and that makes me the most excited to announce this meeting.

PS: What can fans expect from you?

CC: Fans can expect, especially ones who have never attended, not only a decade of race knowledge, but passion and that is what I bring to this sport. When people ask me what I love about announcing, whether its speedway, flat track, cars, minor league baseball, or football broadcasting for CBS Sports Radio, one thing holds true for me at every event; the second that microphone is in my hand, for that moment in time, I am the happiest person on earth...I truly love what i get to do for a living, and that love and passion has no where to go but to bleed out in my personality and sheer joy I get for calling a speedway motorcycle race! In this industry, when fans hear the excitement and passion in my voice, know that it is real, I am full of so much joy and my energy level is off the charts, because I truly love announcing this sport!

PS: Do you dare pick a winner?

CC: The winner? Hmmm. that is so hard. I have seen so many upsets here at Perris that it boggles my mind sometimes. The battles back and forth battles between the Ruml brothers, are always strong contenders, as is Austin Novratil who makes a huge impact every time he brings his bike onto this track. One rider that has the potential to once again leave everyone wondering, "What the heck just happened?" is the Rocket Russell Green! I don't know what happened to that young man when he moved up to Nor-Cal, but WOW.. what an exciting rider to watch each and every race and I love watching him defy the odds and leave his competitors in a cloud of dust. I am such a HUGE fan of Luke Becker, calling his races for many years and so thrilled watching his incredible career unfold before my very eyes, I feel he is on a level to take this event all the way. Watching him race is like a speedway rider gliding on a glass surface...so smooth and perfection. Of course I am so happy to see Castro in, if only for the fact I get to do one of my favorite intros... FAAAAAAAASSSSSSSTTTTTTTT EDDIE CAASSTTRROOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

PS: Any last message for us?

CC: I am so blessed with this life I get to have. There are a lot of people behind the scenes who make this event the success that it is, Steve Evans and I are only in the foreground, but without our incredible staff like Kim Calvert, Danny Hull, Tom Fox Kevin Fife, Jessi and Jackie, Paul Flanders, Jennifer Marie, and many more, this race would not be the success that it is. I do want to remind the fans to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be part of our annual Toys for Tots Drive this Saturday too! I want to make sure that every child has something to open on Christmas morning and that happens through the generosity each year of our speedway community! What started as one car load 5 years ago, has now grown into two massive overfilled large cars, and this year I want to have to fill three! As a Rotarian, I see the impact a small gesture makes on someone in need, and trust me, a $5 toy to you and me is the gift of hope to a child who might not have anything to open on December 25th without the help of our riders, mechanics, staff and fans.

Saturday night will be a wonderful night on so many levels, the racing, the excitement, the joy, the passion, the spirit of giving through our toy drive and finally, hopefully I've been good enough this year that Santa Claus will bring me a bounty of Pibb Xtra Soda to put under my Christmas Tree! Saturday night...it's truly gonna be CRAZY!!!!

PS: See you Saturday you Crazy awesome Pibbaholic! — with Chris Ackerman.

The biggest domestic American speedway event in the recent past is scheduled to occur at Perris Raceway on Saturday December 8th with the return of the AMA / FIM North America Final.

The event was a past staple of the US Speedway calendar for a quarter of a century, most notably its run at the Long Beach Veterans Stadium. Each year the cream of American based speedway stars would race with the overseas based US riders for limited spots in the World Championship qualifying rounds.

Much as changed since that era with the Grand Prix Series replacing the one off World Final and the US rider base in Europe declining until a sudden resurgence in 2018 with Max Ruml, Gino Manzares, Broc Nicol and Luke Becker joining Ricky Wells and of course Greg Hancock on the other side of the Atlantic.

The USA allocated spot in the Grand Prix Qualifiers (rounds to earn one of three available places in the following years SGP Series) have gone to Ryan Fisher (now retired) and Ricky Wells in recent years. Team USA boss Lance King has recognized with the sudden increased rider presence Europe and so has applied to the FIM for additional allocations in next years rounds, which should be confirmed in the next few weeks. That said, for the first time in a long time the USA may have more rider demand than spots available, hence the plan to resurrect the American Final.

The Perris promotion team explained, “We have seen a huge growth to our program in the past 12 months. We've gone from strictly amateur off season races into being a well attended and well paying prize money venue with a year round schedule. The American Final has held our interest for a number of years. There are limited venues that can stage it as it really belongs on a European sized track and in the off season, so as not to disrupt the schedule of the riders racing professionally in Europe.”

“We have coordinated with FIM North America boss Bill Cumbow who has been a massive asset to American Speedway. The event will feature 16 riders over 20 heats and the top scorers will get preference to take the GP Qualifier spots that are allocated to the USA.”

“The race is not only about the spots available and not just for the European based riders. It really is a coming together of the best riders in America for a major title regardless if they harbor Grand Prix ambitions. For the 16 riders in the field, it will be very cool to arrive at the track, knowing you are effectively in a World Championship qualification event.”

“No rider in the field is obligated to take their place in the rounds in Europe if they qualify. Hypothetically, if a USA based rider wins, they can go to Europe or give up the spot they earned to the next rider down. But the finishing order on the night will dictate qualification preference."

The rider line up and qualification criteria to be in the 2018 American Final will be released shortly.

A small program for Division 2 and 3, Juniors and Pee Wees (and possibly wild card run offs) will run at 4pm - 6pm latest.

The American final will run at 7pm with a pure 16 man D1 program.

8 December 2018 - all roads lead to Perris Raceway as 16 of the best American riders compete on the road to the SGP Series.

Steve Evans
dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net

PRESS RELEASE

Aug. 7, 2018
From: Tim Kennedy

The popular AMA Speedway motorcycles 2018 National Championship fourth of five rounds at five different speedways in California will race in the City of Industry this Saturday, August 11 starting at 7:30 pm. The site is the eighth-mile dirt track in the modern Grand Arena of the Industry Hills Expo Center on Temple Ave., west of Azusa Ave., near the Pacific Palms Resort.

Two riders from Northern California are leading 22 riders who have scored points in the first three rounds. Billy Janniro, 38, has won all three main events at Rancho Cordova in April, Ventura in June and last month in Santa Maria. However, Luke Becker, his 19-year old protege, led in National Championship points after each of the first two rounds. He scored 19 and 20 in the first two rounds and led Janniro by one-point (39-38).

In the third round (July 28) at Santa Maria Speedway, Janniro again won the main event. He also took over the series point lead by scoring 20 points to 17 by Becker, who has been racing a speedway bike with a team in Poland this year. Entering the Industry fourth round Saturday, Janniro has 58 points to 56 for Becker.

Other top riders are So Cal riders Austin Novratil (45 points), Dillon Ruml (33), and Jimmy Fishback III (30). Ruml is the hottest rider at Industry this season and is leading Industry points standings through August 9. The 19-year old 500cc Jawa rider from Huntington Beach has won five of nine Industry main events, including four consecutive through August 1.

Janniro won the Industry season opener on May 30 and finished second to Dillon Ruml on August 1. He missed Industry rounds two through eight because of job commitments. He rides the Denny Scopellite No. 1 GM bike based in Huntington Beach instead of his own 500cc Jawa as in past seasons.

Janniro, who has raced speedway bikes in Europe, is an eight-time AMA Speedway National Champion (2008, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17) trying to win six consecutive titles. He also won US Speedway National titles four times between 2004-08. Additionally, Janniro has won the California State Speedway Championship five times (2010, 11, 12, 14 and 17).

Riders race in five rounds of heat races and points are tallied after the 20-heats. The top eight point riders advance to one of the two semi-finals and score additional points. The top four riders in points transfer to the main event and points are tallied after each main event.

The fifth and final round will take place on September 28 at Fast Fridays Motorcycle Speedway in Auburn (north of Sacramento) at the Gold Country Fairgrounds.

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SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS – Round Four 

2018 AMA SPEEDWAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS – Round Four
Industry Racing
August 11, 2018

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS – Round Three 

2018 AMA SPEEDWAY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS – Round Three
Santa Maria Raceway. Nipomo, CA
July 28, 2018

2018 Speedway Youth World Championship 250cc Final

Good Luck to Sebastian Palmese and Colton Hicks
Representing the USA in the 2018 Speedway Youth World Championship 250cc Final on Thursday, July 4th
(Note below Separate Events / Times and if my PST time is incorrect please advise and I will change)

When I receive any info regarding live video and/or live text updates I will add to the post.

Sites for following the events are:
~ American Junior Speedway
~ FIM Track Racing Youth Project
(both sites will be in comment section)

Event Info:
Sebastian Palmese - 6 a.m. PST
* FIM Speedway Youth World Championship 250cc Semifinal 1 Gdańsk, Poland, 4th of July, 15.00 (local time)

1. Sebastian Palmese (United States)
2. Rasmus Pedersen (Denmark)
3. Jeffrey Sijbesma (Holland)
4. Ben Ernst (Germany)
5. Pavel Nagybin (Russia)
6. Mateusz Cierniak (Poland)
7. Philip Hellström-Bängs (Sweden)
8. Jacob Hook (Australia)
9. Ričards Ansviesulis (Latvia)
10. Mateusz Bartkowiak (Poland)
11. Jordan Palin (Great Britain)
12. Espen Sola (Norway)
13. Filip Nizgorski (Poland)
14. Daniel Klíma (Czech Republic)
15. Markus Maximum Lill (Estonia)
16. Lukas Wegner (Germany)
Reserve
17. Kamil Strąk (Poland)

Colton Hicks 9 a.m. PST
* FIM Speedway Youth World Championship 250cc Semifinal 2 Gdańsk, Poland, 4th of July, 18.00 (local time)

1. Erik Bachhuber (Germany)
2. Francis Gusts (Latvia)
3. Milan Dobiáš (Czech Republic)
4. Liam May (Australia)
5. Viljam Lappi (Finland)
6. Markus Birkemose (Denmark)
7. Keynan Rew (Australia)
8. Noel Wahlqvist (Sweden)
9. Jonny Wynant (Germany)
10. Filip Šifalda (Czech Republic)
11. Krzysztof Lewandowski (Poland)
12. Karol Żupiński (Poland)
13. Colton Hicks (United States)
14. Casper Henriksson (Sweden)
15. Esben Hjerrild (Denmark)
16. Leon Flint (Great Britain)
Reserve
17. Piotr Świercz (Poland)

Finals will be on July 6th

Nancy Dilkey - Thank you to Dariusz Zakrzewski for the Race Information

Ventura and Perris News

June Races!
SIGN UPS FOR ALL OPEN!
Ventura 16 and 23 June (AMA National Speedway Championship Round on 23 June)
Perris 30 June

Notes:
1. Ventura 16 June is a combo race with Flat Track but will have National crashwall up.
2. No practice as AMA Round June 23. 530 we will run races for Division 2, Division 3, Vintage, Sidecars and Juniors. Sign Ups in these divisions will be limited.
3. Division 1 riders interested in a wild card in the National Round, get in touch please.
4. Track Reserves can race in the Division 2 heats.
5. For Perris June 30 we will run Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, 250 Juniors,150 Juniors, Pee Wees and Sidecars. Show starts at 6pm, Division1 program will be a British league style team race which will run uninterrupted from approx 7:30pm.

Steve Evans
dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net

HHGP Partners with Team USA – Team Hancock Haj Grand Prix

Four-time Speedway World Champion Greg Hancock is making a sensational return to Team USA after agreeing to race in this year’s Speedway of Nations tournament.

Greg hasn’t raced for the Stars and Stripes since 2016, but after talks with team boss Lance King he’s back in the fold, and he has also stepped in with his Hancock Haj Grand Prix race team to support the project.

USA takes its place in Event One in Teterow, Germany alongside Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine and Slovenia, with the top three teams qualifying for the two-day Final in Wroclaw, Poland, and Greg will race alongside his protégé and HHGP team member Luke Becker.

After a three-year absence, Greg is excited to be back and is looking forward to the event. (www.hancockhaj.com)

Perris Raceway

Supplementary Regulations
2018 AMA Speedway National Championship Qualifier
April 21, 2018, Perris Raceway
(Revised)

Santa Maria Raceway

Santa Maria Speedway Opens its bike season in two weeks. Here are the purses for 5 May. Division 1 $2,000 (top 8). Support $400 (top 4). Vintage $125 winner take all. Sign ups OPEN!!!! Only race before AMA Round in July.

We are looking at running a team race here that includes all divisions and juniors.

There will be a practice at 3pm with races at 5. Note on AMA National night there will be no practice aside from two hot laps per National rider around 5pm.

The track is under new ownership with a fantastic three-year plan which includes a sizable financial investment which will upgrade the venue after this year. Though multiple Motorsports will run at the venue there are some fantastic potential opportunities for speedway.

Steve Evans
dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net

Quick report on Santa Maria Speedway Test 15 April, debrief from Aaron Fox.

"The track is much,a much closer to race condition for an AMA National than previous. There is a lot of effort by track staff prepared to have ideal surface conditions during the AMA National round. Myself along with Tyson Burmeister and Eddie Castro had a productive test session and some very helpful discussions with track maintenance staff. Everyone ended up on the same page and were in agreement of what is to be expected. I’m certain that come race day, the 16 competing riders are going to be able to race flat out and produce some bar to bar action. Looking forward to it." Aaron Fox

Steve Evans
dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net

Perris Raceway

Additional Perris Raceway 2018 Dates Confirmed!

June 30: Team Races (All Star D1 team race and a team race for D2/3 & possibly juniors in support)
August 4: AMA National Best Pairs Championship
September 15: Classic Old Skool Handicap & Scratch Racing
Nov 3 or 17: Reserved for possible Team USA International event
December 8: Winter Invitational 7pm. (Supporting Program will run 4-6pm).

June - September races will start 6pm with Support and Junior Heats. D1 program and Mains for other divisions will start 7:15pm. There will be an awesome halftime show during each of the summer races.

December race is currently listed as 'Winter Invitational' but there is a much bigger event in the works to run on this date, more on that when we have it.

We have enjoyed tremendous rider, fan and sponsor support in what has truly been a breakout winter series. We will need more of the same to ensure success of the expanded schedule! So thanks for helping us expand, because of this we are giving you more!

Steve Evans
dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net

Santa Maria Raceway

RAINED OUT -- Practice is rained out for Santa Maria thisSunday April 8. It is rescheduled for Sunday the 15th from noon to four.

Santa Maria Raceway is holding a public practice for Speedway and Flat Track on Sunday April 8 - noon to 4pm.

Improvements have been made to the track and several AMA National Series riders will be in attendance as we continue the improvements.

Cost is $40 per rider, all others in pits $5. Stands are free to spectators.

As a reminder, Santa Maria has a motorcycle race on May 5th. This and the practice next week will be the only opportunities ahead of the AMA National Round July 28. Note on National day there will be no afternoon practice session, each National Contender will be allowed 2 hot laps at 5pm two hours ahead of the race.

The May 5th race (And Ventura on May 19) will feature team racing for the 101 Freeway Cup. We plan to include speedway divisions in the team racing.

Steve Evans dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net

2018 AMA National Championship

With the 2018 AMA National Speedway Championship series qualifying round at Perris on April 21st coming up quick, the AMA is still accepting entries from Division 1 riders, entries can be found on SpeedwayBikes.Com

Top 6 from Perris qualifier join the 8 seeded riders from 2017 series, and make up the 14 permanent in the series.

2 wildcard spots available at each round, either promoter pick, or a "race off" before the event.

Reserves for each round will be chosen by that particular track.

2018 AMA Speedway National Championship Series:
Qualifying Round - Perris Raceway - April 21st
Round 1 - Big Time Speedway - April 28
Round 2 - Ventura - June 23
Round 3 - Santa Maria Raceway - July 28
Round 4 - Industry Racing - August 11
Round 5 GRAND FINAL- Fast Fridays - September 29

PER AMA / Ken Saillant:
The AMA will review all entries, and submit the list of most qualified riders (in no specific order) that will compete in qualifying round.

Entry / LOI does not guarantee a spot in the D1 program.

So far, entries include:
17 Sauer
25 Fishback
26 Burmeister
27 Borello
30 Gomez
40 Hedden
66 Ramirez
86 Facchini
87 Bast
136 Estes
150 McCloskey
168 Grove
170 Perrault
199 Ramirez
322 Fonts

Few notes/ bullet points for all involved, also PER AMA:

AMA has appointed Steve Lucero as referee at all rounds of 2018 Speedway National Championship Series.

All rounds shall run National event as its own event, and may include Juniors. Any additional support / back gate classes will be run earlier in the day prior to National event show, with sufficient time given for complete track prep.
All rounds will be subject to any track / event safety measures, or any needed improvements, as discussed previously by all promoters and D1 racers in the series, to be approved by AMA to run the event.

Any questions / concerns can be directed to any series promoter, Steve Steves, Steve Evans, Steve Elstins, Kelly Inman, David Joiner, or AMA Rider Rep Aaron Fox, or direct to Ken Saillant of AMA (Ksaillant@ama-cycle.org)
More details to be released soon.

__._,_.___

Posted by: Kelly Inman

Industry Racing

2018 "ONLINE" Industry Track Rider license applications deadline is Thursday March 8, 2018, at 12pm.

PLEASE do the online version, as it will help speed everything up Friday night, as there is ALWAYS a long line of everyone that chooses to do it last minute at the track.
All forms done online, and up until about 8pm Friday night on site, will include a FREE dinner.

Also, ALL Industry PAID track license rider paperwork completed by Saturday night sign ups will include 20 Complimentary passes for 2018 season. After Saturday, no passes will be included with forms turned in after Saturday March 10th.

Please remember, when submitting Industry track license applications , you MUST include a valid AMA card, or proof of current AMA membership to be able to turn in application.

We will also honor Nor Cal track licenses, so you do not have to pay, but still MUST complete, and turn in Industry license packets.

PLEASE avoid creating long lines and waiting, by doing everything online.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing everyone!!

EVERY rider that pays, and does their track license ONLINE, by Thursday at 12pm, will be entered into a drawing to win their track license fee back! Drawing Friday night during awards.

Thank you, Kelly Inman

Gumball Rally

The world famous Gumball Rally is Industry March 9-11th is right around the corner.

Please make sure you RSVP to the office if you are attending the Dinner and Awards on Friday night.(626) 330-0324 talk to Maria, so we have enough food for everyone PLEASE!

Also, avoid long lines and download your track license applications from our website and return. You MUST have a current AMA card and supply the #,to be able to turn in track license paperwork - NO EXCEPTIONS.

ALL must fill out and turn in track license applications, and we will still honor all Fast Fridays licensed riders / mechanics - so no fee. MUST show proof. Look at the schedule for weekend plans.

Plan to camp at the track? call Maria at the office (626) 330-0324 to reserve

Any questions, please feel free to call me, we look forward to seeing everyone!!

Thank you, Kelly
(626) 393-3876
Kelly@IndustryRacing.com
speedwaykelly@yahoo.com

Perris Summer Schedule!

Perris Speedway will be running 1-2 summer events.

Saturday August 4th will be the AMA National Best Pairs Championship. 7 teams, 23 heats using the race format from the New 'Speedway of Nations' World Championship. The first invited riders will be the 14 permanent riders in the 2018 AMA National Championship Series. Riders will be allowed to choose their own team mate. The championship will come down to the very last heat.

This race will start at 7:30pm and will be run with no other classes in that part of the program. We will run a Pre show for Support and Junior riders from 5-7pm.

We have reserved 30th June as a second date. We will 100% confirm this date ahead of our April 21 winter series finale!

Steve Evans
dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net

2018 Big Time Speedway Schedule