Pomona Long Track
Los Angeles Country Fairground
Pomona, California
Super Long Track Invitational
October 12th, 2013, Los Angeles Country Fairground, Pomona
Report by Steve Evans - Photos by Miriam Deitcher
Main
1. Billy Hamill
2. Gino Manzares
3. Eddie Castro
4. Jason Ramirez
5. Tyson Talkington
6. Justin Boyle ns
 
Billy Hamill and his Two Speed
October 12th, 2013, Los Angeles Country Fairground, Pomona
Multi National & World Championships, Team USA's Manager Billy Hamill took his distinguished career to new heights by winning the inaugural 'Super Long Track Invitational' at the LA County Fairgrounds in Pomona. The event was part of the AMA National Flat Track Series Finale, and the six invited riders put on a very memorable show.
The track was 5/8 mile / 1000 meters in length, akin to a German Long Track and the speedway portion of the show was the next step following a successful three rider demo heat in 2012. The riders all used conventional one speed speedway bikes though Hamill did get a practice run in the afternoon on his Bonneville land speed record attempt Long Tracker, though in actual fact the pace of it seemed identical to the regular bikes once underway.
After a 15 minute practice session in the afternoon, the races begun with Speedway getting in on the action throughout the night.
Heat 1 saw Hamill's protégé and National Long Track Champion Gino Manzares storm away from the field and lay down a marker. Hamill had to settle in for 2nd place with Eddie Castro third, Tyson Talkington fourth and Justin Boyle 5th. Boyle's night ended as he crossed the finish line for the chequered and blew his engine. Heat 2 saw Manzares gate in fourth place and Hamill make the start. Manzares quickly worked his way up to 2nd, with Castro in third and Jason Ramirez, who missed his first ride due to mechanical issues passing Talkington for fourth. Manzares was close to Hamill and looked like he may make a move on the last lap, but Hamill held him at bay.
The Main Event saw Hamill and Manzares fastest away from the tapes with Hamill getting the advantage as they hit turn 1. Manzares stayed with his mentor throughout the race but it was Hamill who came home first and won the big prize. Castro again was third, Ramirez fourth and Talkington fifth.
The crowd on hand, many of which had not seen speedway before, gave a fabulous reception to the riders and the race was very well received. Hamill's lap times in the Main event (fastest 28.96) were over a second faster than the 750cc Expert Flat Track riders who were the show headliners. Flat Track promoters Charlie Frank and Chris Morgan, who had tirelessly promoted the event, invited Steve Evans and Chris Ackerman to organize the speedway portion of the show. Judging by the success of it, it looks quite certain the speedway portion of the show will be a long term part of it and it is hoped that it will be expanded for 2014.
2013 has seen American Speedway move forward with races on bigger tracks to compliment the classic USA bull ring speedways. Ventura's 1/5 mile banked oval staged its first race in 13 years, whilst the AMA Long Track Nationals ran at the 480 yard Perris Auto Speedway in July. 2014 will hopefully see an increased schedule of races on bigger tracks given the demand from riders and fans for such events.
Steve Evans
Billy Hamill Confirmed for Pomona Long Track
I am very pleased to announce that Team USA Boss, current National Champion and Former World Champion Billy Hamill will be one of the 12 riders racing Long Track on the Pomona Half Mile on October 12th.
Joining Billy and so far signed up are 2013 AMA Long Track National Champion Gino Manzares, Speedway Legend Fast Eddie Castro, Former Vintage MX World Champion Tyson Talkington and Former Under 21 National Champion Justin Boyle. The rest of the line up will be announced in due course.
Speedway Bikes will race in four 6 Man heats on the Half Mile with riders qualifying for A and B Main Events.
A big crowd is expected for the event with headlines with the Final Round of the AMA Twins and Singes Flat Track Championship.
Tickets can be bought online at the below website, which also contains more information on the event.
http://www.flattrackfinals.com/
Steve Evans dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net (September 10, 2013)
Pomona Half Mile - Just 6 weeks away
Speedway Bikes return to the Pomona Half mile in just 6 weeks on Saturday October 12th, running alongside the final round of the AMA Flat Track singles and twins championships.
The Speedway Show will feature 12 Division 1 riders who will each have 2 heats (6 riders per heat), with points scored putting them into A and B Mains. The purse will be a minimum of $3,000.
Whilst no promises can be made at this point, there is some possibility that there may be a European based rider or two making it over.
Entry fees to race will likely be $30, with pit passes running at $25. Note each rider is limited to 2 pit passes for mechanics / workers unless they request more ahead - pits access will be limited so if you want to get access please contact me ahead. This includes photography and media. We'll do our best to get those in who should be.
For more info on the event and the Speedway Show please check the Flat Track Finals Web Site. You can also buy tickets online here. Chris Ackerman and myself are delighted to have been invited to partake by the Flat Track Promoters, who are very keen on involvement with speedway.
Steve Evans dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net (August 1, 2013)
SUPER Long Track is Coming!
I am very happy to announce that Chris Ackerman and myself have been invited by the Promoters of the AMA Pomona Flat Track Grand National Finals to put together a real Speedway Show to run on 12th October on the half mile.
It will run on the same bill as the Flat Track. Working title is AMA Super Long Track Speedway Invitational. 12 riders, 6 man races, heats, A and B Main, $3,000 purse minimum. Full starting gate. Possibly 2-3 overseas riders will be part of the show.
More info closer to the time!
Steve Evans dreamteamspeedway@sbcglobal.net (July 10, 2013)
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