Star in Exile

I believe that Square Deal raceway in New York is the biggest in the States ? at 344 metres. I have read comments from riders who think that the track is too fast for too many of them. Speedway Racing only takes place there 6 times a year. Cam Rafferty is a young rider from New York who will be riding in the 2003 AMA Nationals in California. If he does well out there, who know where it could lead to. I assume that most American riders require a work-permit to ride in the UK and that there are certain requirements needed to get that workpermit. I watched Cam win the 2002 US Open Series in NY last Summer, when he beat John 'Cowboy' Cook. He has a great riding style for a youngster and isn't afraid of going out wide, on these tiny US tracks. Of course, I don't know Cam personally, so I have no idea if a professional European career is what he's aiming for, but he definitely has the talent.

Check out Kelly Moran racing last weekend in Quebec, Canada. Scroll down for pictures.

John 'Cowboy' Cook used 22" tires over in California last season, he may still be using them in 2003. They look wicked.

Just thought people might like to see the cover of the current issue. This is Josh Larsen riding at Costa Mesa, CA

Hi there I know some of us are always looking to broaden our speedway knowledge base. If you are interested in learning what's happening this side of the pond, there is a new USA Speedway Magazine out now. They are up to issue # 2, which is the 2003 season preview. They offer subscriptions to all over the globe. You can get the info at their web site. http://www.turnonemagazine.com There's not a lot on the site at the moment, not even a pic of the magazine, sadly, but the magazine is a good read nevertheless. I have the latest issue in front of me now, it's 50 pages, with 3 full page color pics all taken racing in California of Josh Larsen, John Cook and Chris Manchester. Articles on the US Nationals Series, the US Open series in NY and more besides.

...Although he didn't reach the Main event, "King" Kelly Moran made a successful comeback to Speedway after an 11 year layoff. Moran, wearing new NJK leathers reminiscent of his STP suits won his first 3 races in convincing fashion hanging off the bike and looking like he didn't break a sweat. The JBR, Gene the Machine, Arai, Kelly Inman Race Paint sponsored Moran caught traction in his fourth heat and looped the bike, costing him his chance to transfer directly to the Main as the evenings top point scorer. In his semi, Kelly was surprised by a rejuvenated George "Lazorbeam" Lazor. Lazor was spectacular on the night, winning against Moran and also scoring a heat win over Cam Rafferty. Lazor is back and looking to continue his run as one of the East's all-time greats! Moran had one more opportunity to transfer to the final but was outgated in the Last Chance by Gene Bonsignore, who was in gate four, and softly fell down in the first turn. Although it would have been great to see Kelly in the final, it was quite apparent to all who watched that he is back in a big way and hasn't lost a step. It was unbelievable how good he looked after 11 years off and I would go as far to say that if he was on a Costa Mesa track with some dirt, you would have guessed it was 1984. He will be a threat when he returns for the fall races in California.... Thanks To Jason Bonsignore, Champion Speedway, Owego, New York PS The main event was won by upcoming star Cam Rafferty.

Kelly Moran will be riding in the 2003 season in New York ! Check out this great USA/Candian web site for more information. I plan on seeing him ride this summer and I hope to post pictures at my small US-NY Speedway picture site which currently has some pictures taken from the 2002 US Open and a video of John 'Cowboy' Cook in action last summer in NY. cheers, Star in Exile