SteveEvans

Been talking with John Cook a lot and we go back a ways as I used to get him Yanks for Brighton races, so I'm sure its a go!

Below is our traditional pre tour ebay action - this time a helmet signed by American World Champions including Individual, Pairs, Team, Under 21. So far Penhall, Hancock, Ermolenko, Hamill, Schwartz, Preston and Larsen have all agreed to sign. Link below; http://cgi.ebay.com/American-World-Speedway-Champions-Autographed-Helmet-/130433677429?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5e73f875

As well as our 8 touring riders, we will also have Ryan Fisher, Chris Kerr and Ricky Wells riding for us in the Ipswich match (and hopefully Sheffield too). Before anyone does the maths (as thats 11 riders), the plan with the PL matches is to run an 18 heat, 9 man formula. Each team will field a #8 and #9 who race each other 3 times. Both teams 8 and 9 will most likely be made up of the lesser experienced Americans. At Lakeside too we will run the same format though most likely Fish won't be available at #1 as it clashes with Edinburgh's night, so likely he will be replaced with a non American guest. It's definitely exciting to be racing Premier Level teams (Ipswich and Lakeside will be putting out PL level opposition too)whilst a little scary as we have no idea how we will do! Whilst the American Touring Team is not affiliated to the American Motorcyclist Association, this series of races is the closest we have had in a long time to a test match series with a USA team. I'm sure those as old as me rememeber how great they were!!

Getting close and we are all VERY excited! We have been doing a lot of fundraising in the USA to cover the costs of Minibus and petrol costs (at UK prices!!!) and are close to making our target. We had an offer from someone in the UK today to chip in, leaving us just $700 short of our target. Just thought I would throw this out there in case anyone else wanted to join the fray. These guys spend a lot of money in coming over and put on a fabulous show, so any help, big or small, really helps. PM me if you are interested!

Very pleased to say that very appropriately, both the Sheffield and Belle Vue fixtures will be in honor of Kelly Moran. The older members of the team raced Kelly on numerous occasions, the younger ones rever him as a rider who typified the Golden Age of American Speedway. For me, some of the dices between Kelly & Sam Ermolenko at Monmore Green in the mid 80's was what sold me on speedway addiction as well as becoming a fan of American Speedway. It's quite possible that without Kelly thrilling me as a kid I may not be here doing this today. He became a friend in later life and one who I will never forget. It's going to be exhilerating and emotional to be involved with these two meetings, but it's a privilidge to be a part in this. I hope that the fans come out in huge numbers to pay tribute the most fitting way - with some old school and young American Speedway.

Last spot on the squad is likely to go to Jason Ramirez, who debuted last year. Jason had bad luck on the last tour (got sick from a spider bite and missed the last two races) and then broke his back in April, though he has shone in three meetings since returning including Victorville last night. Jason and his dad are working really hard to get things together in time and I hope to have 100% confirmation in the next day or two. Interesting age range of riders; Castro - 51 McConnell - 51 Sauer - 44 Burmeister - 26 Marquez - 24 Buman - 19 Starks - 18 Ramirez - 18 We promise you a good show!

Newcastle is added and welcomed back on October 10th - Daryl and the gang treat us very well in the North East and the fans gave us a great welcome last time. The opponents are tbc - shame we miss the Vikings by one week!

We will be at Lakeside on 15th October. Here is our updated schedule. Of course the play off picture may change things 7th October - Sheffield 8th October - Plymouth 11th October - Belle Vue 14th Octover - Ispwich 15th October - Lakeside There are a few venues in contention for our last spot, Lydd is one of them.

Delighted to let you all know that Double US Under 21 Champions Bryce Starks will be joining us in the US Touring Team trip that departs LA Airport exactly 5 weeks from today! Bryce has been in top form these past few weeks and followed up retaining his National success with 3rd in friday's Auburn Scratch Main. It is great that Northern California is, for the sixth tour in a row, being represented. We thought we had our full squad a few days back but late last week two of the eight man squad (Tyson Talkington and Austin Novratil) hit problems with being able to 100% commit to the tour, so we had to make a move and bring in a comparible rider. The plan is still to take an eighth rider and its possible that Talkington or Novratil may be that rider, though there are also other riders being talked to. http://www.speedwaybikes.com/rw/uBryce_Starks.htm

Shawn and Eddie act the youngest! This tour really is a reflection of the American domestic scene, with all categories represented - the ageless veteran (Eddie & Shawn), The teenage hotshots (Austin and Mike), the Motocross converts (Tyson, Tyson and John) and the loyal clubman rider (Robbie). With a mix like this there is something for everyone and whilst each tour is different, there is one consistency that goes back to day one - entertainment!!!!

The final spot on the 2010 American Touring Team is set to go to legendary rider Shawn 'Mad Dog' McConnell. Shawn and I have been looking this over in the past week. He wants to go, I want him to go, its now just a case of finalizing the logistics which we both have well in hand. It's quite incredible that Shawn last rode in England full time 26 years ago, yet say his name at Birmingham, Swindon or many other a track and it is still remembered with great fondness. For a rider who had such a short UK career (thanks to a pedantic rulebook), the impression left is something.But when you know Shawn and the things he does with a bike on the track and his attitude off, it is no surprise. In recent years he has made trips to the UK for the Brighton indoor meeting and a few open bookings. This time he is doing a full 6 meeting schedule and maybe some more open meetings, It is a major step forward for the team to have Shawn involved, especially as one of his roles in the USA is a as a rider coach. Going on tour in the UK is in one hand one of the ultimate speedway experiences but it is hard work and having leadership and experience, which he and Eddie Castro bring, is a huge asset to the younger riders. One of the great showmen of speedway will certainly make the matches in October must see events.

Or two weeks locked in the pub if it rains! You ready Laurence?

Schedule Update. Here's what we have thus far 6th October - Open Practice Stoke 7th October - Sheffield (PL) 8th October - Plymouth 11th October - Belle Vue (NL) 14th October - Ipswich (PL) A date has also been agreed on the 15th but the club wants us to announce this after the weekend. One more date will be added with several options being considered. Of course the above dates are subject to change with play offs, which is why we are keeping our options wide open!

Its becomes vogue for our riders to rent bikes when they come to the UK. We are 75% covered but still short by a couple. If anyone has equipment we could borrow or rent, please PM me. Our base is in the Midlands area. NL / PL standard please. Best Steve

Its becomes vogue for our riders to rent bikes when they come to the UK. We are 75% covered but still short by a couple. If anyone has equipment we could borrow or rent, please PM me. Our base is in the Midlands area. NL / PL standard please. Best Steve

We've added a rider as our number 8 for this tour - veteran Robbie Sauer. Robbie has been racing for close to 20 seasons on the domestic scene and was runner up at the recent Best Pairs Championship at Victorville. He is included in the squad as our number 8, though he will get riding opportunities at most meetings. He's a great guy and whilst a somewhat unlikely rider choice on one hand, he epitomises the clubman rider who makes up 80% of rider entry in your typical American Speedway meeting. http://www.speedwaybikes.com/rw/urobbi_s.htm

Lots happening behind the scenes, talking to a lot of tracks with a lot of ideas! Also hoping to finalize the team and there are a couple of big names hopefully in the frame for the final team place! One rider, who we only approahed yesterday is a wily veteran and one of the greatest showmen ever to rider a speedway bike! No promises, but would love him to come over!

Very pleased to confirm that we will be at Ipswich on the 14th of October, most likely versus a team of PL level or thereabouts. Many thanks to Chris Louis who has been a pleasure to work with.

Spoke with Gino yesterday - his attention right now is on the US Under 21 Championship this friday. He'd love to come back and do the tour but in his case he is planning on having a PL place in 2011 and his initial thought is to save his monies up to get things ready. The tours are great fun. They are also hugely expensive for the riders and I am sure the Uk fans appreciate how much these guys invest to come. Main Man -hope the dates don't clash with Newport dates - would not be the same without you! Wessex - have spoke with Weymouth and emailed Poole - ball in their court but we'd love to.

Spoke with Gino yesterday - his attention right now is on the US Under 21 Championship this friday. He'd love to come back and do the tour but in his case he is planning on having a PL place in 2011 and his initial thought is to save his monies up to get things ready. The tours are great fun. They are also hugely expensive for the riders and I am sure the Uk fans appreciate how much these guys invest to come. Main Man -hope the dates don't clash with Newport dates - would not be the same without you! Wessex - have spoke with Weymouth and emailed Poole - ball in their court but we'd love to.

Didn't you hear we are building a track at your work? All 6 meetings will be there at lunch time. Eat a sandwich, sell some t-shirts, back to work.

Pleased to announce our 6th rider added to the team, and for the first time since 2006 we have an East Caost rider. 19 year old Mike Buman joins the team. He came out West two years and rode the Costa Mesa Nationals. He has been making good progress on the New York scene and is welcomed to the squad. His profile is here http://www.speedwaybikes.com/re/umikey_b.htm It is looking very possible that an 8 man squad will travelling. There are a number of options being looked at for the remaining spots.

Austin Novratil is the fifth rider to be named to the 'Penhall Museum' American Touring Team's October UK Tour. Novratil was sensational last time over and his highlights included a paid 17 at opening night at Plymouth and winning heat 15 in the showpiece event at Dudley. He was 2nd in the Victorville Track Championship and also runner up last week in Industry. He joins Tyson Burmeister, Eddie Castro, John Marquez & Tyson Talkington as definite starters. http://www.speedwaybikes.com/rw/uaustinnovratil.htm

Delegation is everything! One of last years team was heavily reprimanded in Heathroe Airport when caught wearing Heathens attire! He was soon forgiven after he pointed out he won heat 15!

A fixture has been agreed close to London - we just need to confirm our team strength so the club in question will make the date official.