SteveEvans Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabbsjoe Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 good to see some plans that will hopefully pay off and help develop the future of US speedway riders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingIvan Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 ..Would be Great to see the YANKS back at the top table....Bring it on !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kraftwerk Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 It is official now, American team is coming to Slovenia with Greg Hancock, Billy Hamill, Ricky Wells, Ryan Fisher you can find some info on the official event on FB https://www.facebook.com/events/262102230509420/ As you all know, Ljubljana is a home track of Matej Žagar, so let's see what happens wellcome to Ljubljana! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin man 76 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 This qualifier looks rather tight to call. Aside from Italy, who will probably end up as also rans, you could conceivably argue a case for the United States, Slovenia and Finland all qualifying. For personal reasons, I hope it is Finland! Unfortunately, whoever qualifies will end up as make weights in the Poland v Denmark v Russia round. In contrast, the quality in the other qualifier appears poorer and whoever qualifies ends up in the easier GB v Australia v Czech Republic round. Luck of the draw? It is certainly unfortunate, as the United States and Finland in my opinion could if given the chance beat the Czech around Kings Lynn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f-s-p Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Finland is in Herxheim and Ukraine at Ljubljana on request of the Ukraine federation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin man 76 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Finland is in Herxheim and Ukraine at Ljubljana on request of the Ukraine federation. Now that makes things interesting! Finland's hopes of qualification have taken a boost with that news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIE-JA Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Now that makes things interesting! Finland's hopes of qualification have taken a boost with that news. Just a shame that Finland aren't sending their strongest riders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Just a shame that Finland aren't sending their strongest riders. Thought that myself when i saw their team last week.Quite poor and will struggle i think if it stays like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f-s-p Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Thought that myself when i saw their team last week.Quite poor and will struggle i think if it stays like that It might change, but you wont see Kauko or Joonas. Kauko is taking a year off from these and Joonas is either out with injury or in Poland. U coming? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 It might change, but you wont see Kauko or Joonas. Kauko is taking a year off from these and Joonas is either out with injury or in Poland. U coming? Oh,you going!!!!If you pick me upon your way through I'll have to look at my dates.....i was invited on FB by German Speedway Fan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f-s-p Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 (edited) Oh,you going!!!!If you pick me upon your way through I'll have to look at my dates.....i was invited on FB by German Speedway Fan FB? Timo Lahti just wiped the floor with Magic in Arlington, how strong do we need to be? Edited April 2, 2012 by f-s-p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iris123 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 FB? Timo Lahti just wiped the floor with Magic in Arlington, how strong do we need to be? FB? Timo Lahti just wiped the floor with Magic in Arlington, how strong do we need to be? Unfortunately for you the SWC quali isn't at Arlington Let's see how your boy does against Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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