SteveEvans

I agree Dean! First thing would be to drop the word 'development' from the title - doesn't help the marketing and it misrepresents the fact that these days even to race NL level you need to know what you are doing. The league in my opinion would flourish more with more standalone tracks so a full schedule of matches can be run. Newport could be one, then perhaps the likes of Sittingbourne, Bristol and Bodmin, if they all open of course. It's a very affordable league for the fan - cheap admissions in comparison. Would be great if they ran 2nd halves and went fully Old Skool - 13 heats, tac sub rules, etc.

2009 / 2010 USA Under 21 National Champion Bryce Starks is the 4th rider confirmed for 'USA FUTURE' squad! http://www.speedwayb...ryce_Starks.htm

World Cup fever is spreading amongst the organizers and riders as the USA prepares for its most serious assault on the SWC in recent years. May 5th 2012 is the big date and a victory in Slovenia over the hosts, Finland and Italy would see the USA back in the final stages for the first time in 5 years. Preparations have started earlier than ever and rider logistics, fundraising and planning have been top the new AMA Advisory Committee's agenda. The European based quartet of World Champion Greg Hancock, Ryan Fisher, Ricky Wells and Kenny Ingalls have all been spoken to at length and all are hugely excited with the plans ahead. Of the USA based riders Josh Larsen, Chris Kerr and Tyson Burmeister, all with European experience, have all expressed a serious interest in being involved. Perhaps the biggest news is the possible international comeback of Billy Hamill. Hamill, inspired by the new project, both on the realistic possibility of the 2012 team qualifying and in building a long term international future, has pledged himself to the May 5th round and beyond on the basis that his peers would do the same. The response to Hamill's rallying cry from his colleagues has been hugely positive all the way and whilst its too soon to confirm the team for Slovenia, the top American riders overseas and in the US are pulling together to make this happen. The proposed test match series the week before the World Cup is currently in the hands of the BSPA in the UK. There is a very good chance this will come off - the Brits want to stage the first official series in about 15 years, though the main issue is ensuring the availability of Ryan Fisher, Kenny Ingalls and Ricky Wells for all events - the three riders race for a combined five teams in the UK and Fisher will also likely be in Polish league action too. Aside from the above riders named, the likes of Tyson Burmeister, Josh Larsen, Jimmy Fishback, Eddie Castro and Mike Buman have expressed interest in these events. Two weeks before the senior squad hit Slovenia, the youngsters will go to the Ukraine on April 21st in the Under 21 World Cup Qualifier. In preparation for this the 'USA Future World Cup Squad' will fly to the UK on April 6th and race in four events between the 10th and 15th. Already confirmed for the USA Future team are Mike Buman, Brad Pappalardo and Aaron Fox. There are many other riders working hard to secure one of the remaining four spots for the USA Future - names to drop are Austin Novratil, Bryce Starks, Gino Manzares, Michael Raines, John Marquez, Russell Green, Jason Ramirez and Dylan Black. Ricky Wells is obviously top of the Under 21 teams wanted list, though his busy UK schedule will need to be considered. The AMA Committee consists of Jason Bonsignore, Richard Child, Bill Cumbo (AMA) Steve Evans, Billy Hamill, Dave Joiner, Josh Larsen & Ken Saillant (AMA). Each bring valuable skills and experience to the table and are committed to improving USA on the International stage as well as the domestic National Series.

World Cup fever is spreading amongst the organizers and riders as the USA prepares for its most serious assault on the SWC in recent years. May 5th 2012 is the big date and a victory in Slovenia over the hosts, Finland and Italy would see the USA back in the final stages for the first time in 5 years. Preparations have started earlier than ever and rider logistics, fundraising and planning have been top the new AMA Advisory Committee's agenda. The European based quartet of World Champion Greg Hancock, Ryan Fisher, Ricky Wells and Kenny Ingalls have all been spoken to at length and all are hugely excited with the plans ahead. Of the USA based riders Josh Larsen, Chris Kerr and Tyson Burmeister, all with European experience, have all expressed a serious interest in being involved. Perhaps the biggest news is the possible international comeback of Billy Hamill. Hamill, inspired by the new project, both on the realistic possibility of the 2012 team qualifying and in building a long term international future, has pledged himself to the May 5th round and beyond on the basis that his peers would do the same. The response to Hamill's rallying cry from his colleagues has been hugely positive all the way and whilst its too soon to confirm the team for Slovenia, the top American riders overseas and in the US are pulling together to make this happen. The proposed test match series the week before the World Cup is currently in the hands of the BSPA in the UK. There is a very good chance this will come off - the Brits want to stage the first official series in about 15 years, though the main issue is ensuring the availability of Ryan Fisher, Kenny Ingalls and Ricky Wells for all events - the three riders race for a combined five teams in the UK and Fisher will also likely be in Polish league action too. Aside from the above riders named, the likes of Tyson Burmeister, Josh Larsen, Jimmy Fishback, Eddie Castro and Mike Buman have expressed interest in these events. Two weeks before the senior squad hit Slovenia, the youngsters will go to the Ukraine on April 21st in the Under 21 World Cup Qualifier. In preparation for this the 'USA Future World Cup Squad' will fly to the UK on April 6th and race in four events between the 10th and 15th. Already confirmed for the USA Future team are Mike Buman, Brad Pappalardo and Aaron Fox. There are many other riders working hard to secure one of the remaining four spots for the USA Future - names to drop are Austin Novratil, Bryce Starks, Gino Manzares, Michael Raines, John Marquez, Jason Ramirez and Dylan Black. Ricky Wells is obviously top of the Under 21 teams wanted list, though his busy UK schedule will need to be considered. The AMA Committee consists of Jason Bonsignore, Richard Child, Bill Cumbo (AMA) Steve Evans, Billy Hamill, Dave Joiner, Josh Larsen & Ken Saillant (AMA). Each bring valuable skills and experience to the table and are committed to improving USA on the International stage as well as the domestic National Series

When the 15 heat formula started back in the late 80's, heat 14 was an extra reserves race, adding onto the old 13 heat formula. In those days two most top league clubs had 2 Brits at 6 and 7 who were straight out of their junior team.

Good ideas! Shawn couldn't ride speedway at a competitive level due to an injury sustained on a dirt bike a few years ago. Bruce on occasion does an exhibition ride every few years but his competitive days were almost 30 years ago.

I texted Tuff today (he was working in his pub in New York State) and he was thrilled he caught someone's attention. I think he'd love another crack at the UK but not in April as we're trying for young 'uns! His amazing pass in his last race at Kings Lynn (before it was stopped) was a tour highlight! Was a pleasure to have him with us!

We almost had Ronnie Correy last year until he blew his bike up practicing! Tour over the years have had themes - last April for example was pure old skool nostalgia. This one is more young rider oriented. An old name from the past in the appropriate tour would for sure be box office but it isn't the April 2012 theme.

Aaron Fox becomes the third rider named to the April squad. An ex moto crosser and one of the most talented and fast rising riders in the USA. http://www.speedwaybikes.com/rw/uAaron_Fox.htm

2008 Youth National Champion Brad Pappalardo is the 2nd rider added to the USA FUTURE squad! Profile below; http://www.speedwaybikes.com/rw/ubradpappalardo.htm

Every NL club, as per usual was offered dates and these are the ones who came back to fit our schedule. This tour, whilst being set up in the US will likely be run in full by our awesome team of staff in the UK. It's in very good hands.

I would obviously agree a US GP would be very well timed this year! Though its down the line, the American Motorcyclist Assocation has appointed a new Speedway Advisory Committee. The Committee has 6 members (including Billy Hamill and Josh Larsen) and each member of it has a proven record in getting things done. The first order of business is FIM Events 2012 and our National Series. I'm sure a GP would be on the agenda at some point - of course there are no FIM sized tracks and / or FIM level facilities at any of our regular tracks so a one off venue would need to be found - personally I like the Home Depot Center (home of the LA Galaxy) as it is a newish facility and at 28,000 capacity it would not look empty if the crowd was something like 15,000.

Isle of Wight will be 10th April, King's Lynn 11th. Mike Buman first rider to be named to the squad.

From American Speedwaybikes forum. The AMA has invited some key speedway people to form a new Advisory Committee. Its purpose is to make recommendations and assist the AMA in key projects for the benefit of American Speedway both domestically and on the International scene. The Committee consists of six people - Dave Joiner, Richard Child, Billy Hamill, Josh Larsen, Jason Bonsignore and Steve Evans. It will be very hands on and active - each of the members brings unique skills to the table and the blend of experience, top riders and future visionaries is perfect. It is a brand new approach - it won't be a sit in the ivory tower, all words and no action group, but a team who will collectively be prepared to get busy and do a vast amount of work ahead. The first two projects being worked on are expanding the AMA National Series and 2012 FIM Events. The International events are at the forefront right now as they are occurring in the Spring - the USA will be entering the World Team Cup, the Under 21 World Cup, and will have 2 riders in both the GP & Under 21 Individual Qualifying Rounds. For the World Team Cup the intention is to track the best team we possibly can with the goal to win the qualifying round in Slovenia on May 5th and make the Sky TV stage (July 7th in Poland). The Under 21 team goes back to Ukraine on April 21st. To prepare the team, they will do 4 matches in the UK between April 10th and 15th. The touring team will be called the USA FUTURE (name courtesy of Billy Hamill!) and it will be to groom riders to be our Future World Cup Squad. As we need 5 riders for Ukraine there will be 2-3 spots on the 'Future' team for riders who are over 21 or even 15. Their will be a huge fundraising drive - factually the last time USA had a big World Team Cup push was 2006 and the fans got behind it in massive numbers, and we qualified, made the TV stages and came in 6th place. For this reason a 'Stars and Stripes Club' has been launched with five levels of membership so that any budget can help - and big, medium or small, ALL help is needed and appreciated. More on this in a separate message. The 'USA Future' has booked the following race dates at National League venues; Tues April 10th Wed April 11th Sat April 14th Sun April 15th Venue names will be released as the tracks decide but there are clues in the race days! The tour will be organized in the USA by the AMA Committee but most likely will be staffed in the UK by the British based Touring Team staff (AMA Committee is still working those logistics). The American based contingent will more likely travel for the World Cup round in Slovenia but this can all change as the project develops.

All valid points. I see the difference now is that you could run NL on your regular race nights - Coventry have 11 free fridays with GP's for example. Back then NL racing was run on a separate night often. Factor the NL into season ticket prices and you've got a chunk of it paid before a wheel is turned.

Stadiums would be available - EL teams run about 8 less home fixtures than back in 2006. The question would be viable as EL rental charges wouldn't work for NL. That said you could allow clubs to share a team and still get the benefit. So if you had a 12 team league that way you could simply (worse case) run 3 double headers each for your home meetings.

One way how you'd fill the NL with more clubs than it could fit in - offer all Elite League clubs 1 extra point on their team building limit for the EL if they ran an NL team - suddenly its affordable!!! NL is a great spectacle and at admission around a tenner its affordable racing to go see.

Tyson B would be on a 5 I think - Ricky Wells had a similar year 1 average at Coventry and then joined Stoke as an assessed 5. Though note Tyson as of 3 weeks ago was not planning a UK return in March though the door is open for later in the season. http://www.wolverhamptonwolves.co/news.php?extend.1379

Fans of the team and its riders might enjoy this full meeting production of the US MASTERS SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIP at Victorville a few weeks ago. The meeting features ATT riders past and present - Tyson Burmeister, Eddie Castro, Austin Novratil, Russell Green, Michael Raines, Rocco Scopellite, as well as Gino Manzares, Jimmy Fishback and Billy Janniro, Ricky Wells and Mike Faria. A very nice video production from Raz Video.

We always enjoy ourselves! This tour we had a lot of new talent on display that impressed - Raines, Rocco and Russell Green. Novratil showed his huge potential, Buman and Castro had it tough but showed their class, whilst Tuff and Chris Thomas relished living the dream. We had 3 matches at PL level - ideally just one or two of those and 4-5 NL is how we like to go but this year with a lot of rain off backlogs there were some of our preferred venues who could not take us. But as ever we brought a lot of fun to the races and the fan reception in the UK is always amazing. A highlight for me was running American style at Leicester - it was a hit with the fans and we will do it again. There are some hugely exciting developments behind the scenes and some news on 2012 should be forthcoming with a week or so.

Radipole Lane is dead forever?

At just 16 that'll do! The recent Olympique Yanks have all been in their 20's so much time for Austin.

Any feedback on Novratil?

We enjoyed this a lot and we will hopefully repeat it next tour! Bear in mind we had 7 days to organize this so next time will be much better! Those who came out saw a show make no mistake!

Been trying!