SteveEvans

It's being worked on. They want some local lads plus a few more I'm drumming up!

It's a hike yes but in reality every other club in the PL has to do the same during the season. The saving grace is Plymouth is a straight drive home on motorway and as we are 2nd on the bill at Worky we don't expect to be on track until 8:30pm. It will be tough be we can make it happen.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

We will be at Buxton April 17th. Great to round the tour out versus the champs!

The real problem here is lack of British riders, lack of a development system and lack of anyone who takes on the task. In the USA Speedway has no formalized structure. The AMA governing body has one track of the eight venues in California, the others all operate independtly. Despite the lack of structure, there are individuals who have, on their own bat done things for Younger riders. Presently we have the Billy Hamill Academy, Touring Team, Under 21 World Cup Team. As a nation there is plenty of work to be done but at least someone is doing something. It would make a great hobby for a group of individuals who have the spare time and passion. It doesn't have to be up to the BSPA.

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

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!

Correct. With races down for Birmingham, Wolves and Stoke our hard suffering van and bus drivers will have an easier time this time around!! Thanks to Graham Drury and Tony Mole for having us.

Brilliant news - the quality of racing in Octobers match versus the US Tourists was top drawer. I hope it is a success.

We can talk it over at Newcastle on April 10

Can you bring a team to California? :-)

The American Touring Team is very pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Hale as its UK Manager. Mr Hale came on board for the last tour as team sponsor, under the Penhall Museum banner. However it soon became clear that he was much more than that - his hands on approach and positive attitude made him a huge asset on the most successful and well received tour to date which took in 3 Elite League venues and raced 2 events at Premier League Level. Steve Evans, Promoter of the ATT says, "In the last 6 months things have exploded as regards The Touring Team. No longer do we tour, take a breather and then start over - its become a year round activity with a hugely increased workload as we keep fine tuning the product of the last 6 years. I have always felt we needed someone to take charge of the UK end of the business as it is difficult to do so from my California base. Andrew has the same purpose and commitment as myself as far as returning the USA to the top Internationally. We work great together and by having him even more on board I am sure 2011 will be a whole new level of growth for us." Hale is relishing his newly expanded role, though Evans is quick to point out that the large band of UK helpers who take care of many aspects of the tour workload will pretty much remain in place. The American Touring Team will hit the UK early April for its 7th tour and will race in 6 events, including a showpiece event on April 12th Vs the world famous Dudley Heathens at Monmore Green Stadium, Wolverhampton.

Happy New Year from the ATT. Can't wait for April!

Merry Christmas to all! In snowy UK right now. Anyone for ice racing?

Great souvenir on ebay for Xmas! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/290512325574

Fans of the Touring Team can get up to date news on our Facebook page, as well as join in the lively chat! Looking at doing a website for next season - anyone who can help on that, drop me a PM. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=646901753#!/pages/American-Touring-Team-Dream-Team-Reloaded/118471111538202

We have our full schedule agreed at this point. As stated on their website we race the Dudley Heathens on April 12th at Monmore Green. As a Wolves fan for 25 years, this one will do nicely - looking to a repeat of last year!

3am. Fisher, Janniro, Wells, Faria, Castro, Blair, Novratil, Starks are among the 16 riders.

I still believe in Santa but.... In America we run a kind of race called 'Last Man Out' This could be last man (or woman) standing!

I'll be in the UK Xmas time and hope to squeeze in a lil Touring Team Xmas party somewhere in the Wolverhampton to Dudley area. Anyone who would like to join us on this informal and potential ludicrous pub crawl stay tuned!

Some good suggestions there!