PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The U.S. Team has launched its 2012 campaign to chase the Speedway World Cup in Slovenia, beginning May 5. Organized by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and led by 1996 Speedway World Champion Billy Hamill, who will ride for the team, the effort is attracting widespread support from America’s speedway elite.
“In addition to the exciting participation of Billy Hamill, we’re pleased by the interest of reigning FIM Speedway World Champion Greg Hancock and European-based competitors Ryan Fisher, Ricky Wells and Kenny Ingalls,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “Also, U.S. riders Josh Larsen, Chris Kerr and Tyson Burmeister have indicated interest in being a part of the U.S. Speedway World Cup effort. Clearly, with so much talent ready to race for American pride, we’re excited about our prospects against the world’s best.”
Hamill won the world title in 1996 and is a five-time U.S. champion, the last title coming in 2007. He brings valuable Speedway World Cup experience, riding for U.S. team when it was victorious in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1998. The U.S. riders also won the title in 1982.
The full U.S. team will be announced shortly.
The AMA’s speedway advisory group is supporting and assisting with the World Cup team effort. The group includes Hamill, Larsen; Richard Child, Hancock’s team manager; and promoters Steve Evans, Jason Bonsignore and Dave Joiner.
The Speedway World Cup has been contested since 1960. Relaunched under a new format in 2001, the event features multiple days of competition by a number of national teams, with four qualifying for the finals. The winner of the Speedway World Cup collects the Ove Fundin Trophy, named after the five-time world champion.
