T.N.T. 355 Posted January 15, 2011 There is no doubt that the appearance in recent times of Kenny Ingalls and Gino Manzares, Tyson Burmeister plus the return to England of Ryan Fisher and the raising skills of Chris Kerr, The American Touring Team is reaping the benefits of racing over here and everyone associated with them needs applauding for the time and efforts over the years. While the main target has to be to try and get more American riders into Britain, it would be great if the Old Boys could also do some sort of mini tour too. I'm sure a meeting with Mike Faria, Bobby Schwartz, Lance King, Brent Werner, Gary Hicks, Dukie Ermolenko, Shawn McConnell, Eddie Castro etc etc would draw a pretty decent crowd too. Either as an American Showcase Individual or even against a European Select team in a Ryder Cup Style event .... this could be a great event for the true speedway fan...... Europe could feature the likes of Chris Louis, Martin Dugard, Neil Collins, Wayne Carter etc Wolverhampton would be one ideal venue as its been connected to the American scene for decades while Sheffield, Belle Vue, Eastbourne and a few others could be ideal venues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brummie Kev 519 Posted January 16, 2011 Just seen on the ATT facebook page that they will be in Birmingham on 7th of April taking on the Birmingham Bulls. That is great news , I went to see the Dream Team at Perry Barr last season and I really enjoyed it. So its even better this time to see the Bulls taking them on. I already know the Bulls have challenges with Dudley and Stoke next year, so its nice to see another. The only other time I remember the Bulls in action is in 2007 basically just as a second half. So to see them competing in full length meetings will be very pleasing. Hopefully the next step is to enter a NL team, would love it personally. Lets hope the Dream Team Meeting is as entertaining as last year and we see Mr Novratil in action again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveEvans 248 Posted January 20, 2011 Wanted to officially announce that Romie Gallardo-Castro has been appointed as Assistant Manager to the American Touring Team. In reality its just making official the job she has been doing since last June, as she took on some vital work in the logistics of the tour. She has done an excellent job and its only correct that her appointment, perhaps long overdue, is made offical! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveEvans 248 Posted January 23, 2011 This is why we do what we do. So awesome to have been a part of this. Huge job ahead, but a great day for Tyson and American Speedway! http://www.wolverhamptonwolves.co/news.php?extend.1190 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shadders 4,134 Posted January 23, 2011 This is why we do what we do. So awesome to have been a part of this. Huge job ahead, but a great day for Tyson and American Speedway! http://www.wolverhamptonwolves.co/news.php?extend.1190 A VERY huge job ahead ... Surely a season in the Premier League would be the sensible option? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldswindonsupporter 42 Posted January 23, 2011 A VERY huge job ahead ... Surely a season in the Premier League would be the sensible option? Agreed! Had thought Tyson was after and ready for a PL place this year - maybe this might be a doubling up spot? Will he get enough rides to make this pay? However, after reading the article, this looks like a numbers game especially if Tyron and Tai are remaining with Wolves and also the line "We have explained to him what we expect and the job he can do for us..." Hopefully this won't end in tears. Rgds A Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveEvans 248 Posted January 26, 2011 We will be at Buxton April 17th. Great to round the tour out versus the champs! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveEvans 248 Posted January 28, 2011 Rider news! Wanted to update you on how the team is coming along. Our recent graduates Tyson Burmeister and Kenny Ingalls want to show their support for the squad, so they will be sharing the #1 bib, doing 3 events each. Captain Eddie Castro will be back. Mike Buman out of New York, who impressed on the last tour, is planning to be in the UK for an extended period this Spring. He will take in the Touring Team matches but he is also looking at Open Meetings and whatever else he can do. Our #8 bib (reserved for an older rider who never raced in the Uk before) is going to Marvin Sonnier. More spots will be announced in the next week. There are plenty of options, including a former British League rider. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Storming Norman 23 Posted January 30, 2011 What a pleasant surprise that CVS has signed Tyson, I hope he shows Mike Bowden what he's missing. No Plymouth on the itinary this time, then, Steve? I think Buxton is a first isn't it? Great scenery for your boys and an example of how to run NL level speedway. Ok, whose next on your team list?!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveEvans 248 Posted January 31, 2011 Plymouth is now PL, so we'll have to skip this time. The old Dream Team did Buxton twice but not in the modern era. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ImpartialOne 160 Posted January 31, 2011 While the main target has to be to try and get more American riders into Britain, it would be great if the Old Boys could also do some sort of mini tour too. I'm sure a meeting with Mike Faria, Bobby Schwartz, Lance King, Brent Werner, Gary Hicks, Dukie Ermolenko, Shawn McConnell, Eddie Castro etc etc would draw a pretty decent crowd too. Either as an American Showcase Individual or even against a European Select team in a Ryder Cup Style event .... this could be a great event for the true speedway fan...... Europe could feature the likes of Chris Louis, Martin Dugard, Neil Collins, Wayne Carter etc What a great idea! Maybe Billy Hamill, Josh Larsen, Chris Manchester, Doug Nicol, Sam Ermolenko, Ronnie Correy, etc too? I would definitely pay to see some old faces back over here. The Americans might be behind the other big nations at the moment but the old boys seem to run forever! Maybe they could incorporate a tribute to the great Kelly Moran too? England Select v Kelly's All Stars or something. Over to Mr. Evans...! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveEvans 248 Posted January 31, 2011 The legends tour has actually been an idea I've been kicking around for the best part of a year. It could happen but we'd need more sponsorship to get 7 riders. For the Touring Team the riders pay a lot of money to do it but when they are young and keen its the best money they could spend in speedway. Those riders who have been there and done that wouldn't be looking to profit from such a tour, but would need to at least break even. Right now with flight, bike rental or shipping, spares and a lil extra in your pocket it costs each rider $3,000 to make the trip and thats with sponsored transportation and petrol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveEvans 248 Posted February 5, 2011 The American Touring Team, due to hit the UK in just over 8 weeks, has named 7 riders to its 2011 team. As usual it is a mixture of Young and Old with a squad that is likely to entertain like never before! It is no surprise that Eddie Castro returns as team captain for his 4th tour. Castro's popularity on the other side of the pond mirrors that in the States. At the age of 51 he came close to a Premier League contract this winter and he is thrilled to be leading the team. On the veteran side we add Doug Nicol. Uncle Doug was a hugely popular member of the Middlesboro Bears back in the 1990's and he his UK fan base will be delighted that he turns out for the team. In 2010 we had two great #1 riders in Kenny Ingalls and Tyson Burmeister who would be a hard act to follow. So, in looking for our #1 rider we decided to go for....Kenny Ingalls and Tyson Burmeister! Tyson made it clear to me several times this off season that if he was signed for a British club he would still like to ride for the Touring Team. Of course his schedule with Wolves would make him over busy if he did all 7 matches, so, he is sharing the #1 bib with Kenny, who is also delighted to ride for the team. The purpose of the Touring Team is to give its younger members (and Eddie!) the shot at a professional career. Getting signed is one thing, but having a long career is another game entirely. Racing for the Touring team will give Tyson much needed track time and confidence building as he works on the job in hand, and for Kenny, valuable track time as he returns from injury. Though not one of the 7 named, Ricky Wells is also willing to be on standby for the #1 bib should our other two need a night off. Our next rider is Mike Buman out of New York. So inspired with the chance of a Pro career, Mike is planning on spending over a month in the UK this Spring. He is hoping to race in events beyond the Touring Team tour and has a couple of leads to race in Germany and Poland while he is over. He will be in the UK for the entire month of April and part of May. A new tradition was hatched a year ago where the #8 bib on the squad is given to an older rider who is a mid to lower Division One rider who would otherwise never get the chance to ride in the UK. It's a spot that fulfills a dream for the rider. Last Spring Rick Valdez was due to get the call, but he got injured before the trip. In October Robbie Sauer got his dream trip. This time veteran rider Marvin Sonnier gets the chance of a lifetime to experience life as a pro speedway rider for 16 days. I'm sure his grin will last at least 17! The final spot on the squad goes to junior rider Broc Nicol. Broc will get to ride his Hagon Shocks junior bike at all tracks on the tour. He's gonna be a part of the team and will certainly have a great time. There are 2-3 more spots to add and they should be announced shortly. There are several riders in the frame and some really good names amongst them. It's not too late for riders to add their names to list - sometimes spots even open up last minute due to injuries or rider withdrawals. Our schedule has a couple of (very positive) changes, most likely including one race at Premier League level at one of our favorite venues. The first race is April 7th versus Birmingham, our last April 17th at Buxton. The showpiece event versus Dudley Heathens at Wolverhampton is on April 12th. Sponsor packages are available as previously stated - please PM with interest! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteveEvans 248 Posted February 14, 2011 (edited) Our new website is up and running! http://usatouringteam.weebly.com/index.html To continue our theme of involving riders from all areas, Jim Terchila our of Indianapolis is our latest addition. He is the promoter of the track in Indy and an accomplished Flat Track and Speedway Rider. As far as those requesting some ex British League legends - watch this space! Have a very popular ex BL star who may be added to the squad! Schedule has been updated - and Plymouth is BACK! April 7 Birmingham April 9 Rye House (vs Hackney) April 10 Newcastle (Team Viking) April 12 Dudley April 15 Plymouth (PL match) April 16 Workington (15 heat 2nd Half NL match) April 17 Buxton Edited February 14, 2011 by SteveEvans Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greyhoundp 990 Posted February 14, 2011 Jeez steve, hope your drivers will alternate , Plymouth up to workington, only a short run really, but you will pass some lovely countryside. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
