SteveEvans

I'd like to see the challenge go back to the old way - throw in the 7 riders out of the top 8 versus 9 qualifiers. Have them race off for 5 of the spots, keep 2 for nominations (more for injured riders like Hampel than Harris cos he's a Brit). I also think that regionalized qualifiers like the old days would be cool - Brits, Aussies, Yanks, Kiwis even an Argentinian or two in the Overseas. Those were good meetings!

As per most tours before it, the 4th match is where the magical turnaround occurs. Whilst we understand how fans write us off when we get our usual beating in match #1, those who have been doing this for a while know that when the tour reaches its end we are usually a different team. When I was selecting the riders for this tour I was quite confident it was the best side in the last two years and after todays result at Buxton not sure anyone can argue.

Dylan released from hospital and on his way back to midlands per reports from the UK crew.

Re U21 prep - yes cos its a big track like IOW. Re PL - of course, thats the ultimate goal.

Good luck to the USA boys tonight!

Its the job of the home promoter to market the opposing team coming in and those that know how to do well when USA rolls in. As far as the funding - I have always found that those who really want to make it in the sport work out how to get on the tour. There is essentially only one other rider outside of the seven in the UK right now who was seriously considered. Several of this team have worked feverishly to put together their budget and more than one rider I have helped personally or found them sponsors. Aside from last October match one of every tour results in a sound beating. You see on this time seven of the brightest spots in US speedway right now and every one of them deserves their shot.

Everyone can have an opinion Paul and there is much here to take on board. I'm not sure I agree that this team is weak. Tonight 6 of the riders raced equipment they had never ridden before - no practice, racing at Isle of Wight and versus a team with quite an experienced NL 1-5. I'll bet there are teams who will put less on the board than we do. I think we were only down 33-27 in the last 10 heats. The team that is over right now aside from Fox are essentially on a different agenda than usual. They are getting ready for the Under 21 WC Qualifier in the Ukraine next week where Ricky Wells will join them. The more laps done, the better the impression we will make. The team we brought last October was excellent, but with the available fixtures at the end of a very wet season we ran only 1 meeting vs a true NL squad (3 were PL, one was against GB Under 21s) and we came close to winning on opening night at Lynn. The October 2010 team demolished a GBU21 team at Lakeside that was stronger than a typical NL team. In the early Dream Team days tours were every 1-2 years but that wasn't enough to get riders improving and on teams. Coming every 6 months ultimately gave the likes of Ingalls and Burmeister enough meetings in 12 months to be league ready. Possibly the quality of teams has dropped a little with the frequent tours, but coming as often as we do is a necessity. It also should be remembered that in the early days the economy was much better so some riders or their families found it easier to fund these trips. If anything the last two or three teams lacked that #1 ringer to take the pressure of the kids - Buck Blair, Tommy Hedden, Jimmy Fishback, but you can only bring those who have the funding. The Handicapping idea is sound and we did an American style meeting at Leicester last October that used with and was very well received. We'd like to do more of that again at some point. Your opinions are appreciated Paul! I'm not saying mine are better or are right but it may give you an idea as to where I am coming from. We actually were not planning to tour this Spring but circumstances changed around Christmas. I am sure as the meetings go on we will improve and we'll be ready to give our best in Ukraine. And we get a phenomenal reception and great feedback wherever we go!

Is there a web link for that MM? The folks over here would love it and we had many tuned in last October for the GB Vs USA match that was live on the radio in Wolves.

Brad's job on the tour is to enjoy and learn - no pressure on points like every newby who has ever toured. The top 5 all have UK experience so we'll be hoping for some points from them though!

Thats why you are in charge Sandie

Team arrives this week - part of a very exciting 5 weeks for American Speedway that started last night in New Zealand and includes the tour, the Under 21 World Cup in Slovenia and the SWC Qualifier in Slovenia. This is a very young and hungry team who really do the team name 'USA Future' justice. We hope the fans in the UK enjoy the matches!

Team event or Individual? In 2005 the team rode Stoke, Weymouth, Sittingbourne, Mildenhall and Newport in 6 days and then went to Scotland on the following weekend. 2006 and 2007 I don't recall the full schedule and I know that there were plenty of 2nd halves back then. All of course before my travel on tour days so those who were there can verify

We've added an extra little event! 2nd half Vs Team Viking friday April 13th at Coventry, after the main match. 4 of our squad will get an extra meeting! I think its our first Brandon visit!

Our new merch on our Facebook page, coming to a track near you this April! Stellar job by Hayley Bromley (designer) and Sandie (merch guru). http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Touring-Team-Dream-Team-Reloaded/118471111538202

The tour will be run by Laurence Rogers, Andy Hale, Mark Cochrane, Sandie Feltham and others - all very experienced crew and any one of them can do a better job than me! April and May are very busy - aside from the tour there is the Under 21 World Cup Qualifier in Rivne Ukraine on April 21 and then the SWC qualifier at Slovenia on May 5th. I'd love to be there for the tour and the World Cups but that would be over one month which simply isn't practical. But, if this is all to keep growing, gotta delegate! By the way, we are looking for a mechanic or two who can do the USA Future events - PM me if possible.

Dylan Black completed the team. Combined age about 13 years less than Eddie, Doug and Shawn last Spring!

Gino Manzares becomes the 6th rider on the 2012 squad - team average age is 20!!! Manzares had the performance of his life yesterday coming third in the 'Big Kids Gumball Rally' behind the two Billy's Hamill and Janniro and ahead of Kenny Ingalls.

Russell Green becomes the 5th rider named to the USA Future Squad. Russell has just completed the Xtreme Indoor Ice Race Series promoted by Anthony Barlow. He made a very solid debut last October from the difficult (for a first time tourist) #3 bib. Having experienced the Uk scene he wants to come back and give it his all to get a Premier League team place within a year.

As some of you know most all of the riders on the tour rent bikes in the UK. For this years tour we are a bike or two short right now, mainly because a couple of our regular helpers have sold equipment. Please send me a PM if you have equipment to rent - we are based in Cradley area so the closer to the Midlands, the better!

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.