The 2026 Speedway scene got underway with the International SuperPrix at Kevin Harvick’s Kern County Raceway, February 7.
By Richard T. Haight
Although America has produced Speedway World Champions since 1937, when Pasadena’s Jack Milne won and led a USA 1-2-3 sweep with Glendale’s Wilbur “Lammy” Lamoreaux in second and Jack’s brother Cordy in third, it wasn’t until Bruce Penhall brought the title back to the USA 44 years later in 1981 and 1982. This was followed by a string of American riders such as Sam Ermolenko, Billy Hamill and ultimately, four-time World champ Greg Hancock.
Promoter Steve Evans aims to provide tough competition for American riders by bringing some of the best racers from around the world to compete against our guys. These include Australian World Champion Jason Doyle, the UK’s U-21 team captain Leon Flint, Denmark’s European Pairs Champion Rasmus Jensen, and Ipswich Witches’ Dan Thompson, who led his team to the SGB Premiership title in 2025.
The American team featured multiple-time California Champion Max Ruml, 11-time champion Billy “The Kid” Janniro, Austin Novratil, Gino Manzares, Timmy Dion and Brentwood’s Luke Becker. In addition to racing here, Becker also led the UK’s Leicester Lions to victory in the Knockout Cup over the Kings Lynn Stars.
Although a rider often has a great day and scores a perfect 15 points for five wins over the course of the 20 heats, Saturday was an exception, as no one was consistent, and regular winners like Max Ruml barely scored 10 points, missing the main event. Doyle, Thompson and Becker were the top points scorers, but after the semifinals, the main event included Becker, Flint, Doyle and Jensen.
When the gate went up, tangled handlebars sent Becker to the ground in a faceplant less than 100 feet from the start. It might have been the end of the day, but surprisingly Becker’s crew had the bike up and ready within five minutes. Not the most auspicious start for a main. If nothing else, speedway is full of surprises, and Becker gated everybody to literally drive away from the field for a big win. Doyle dropped out with mechanical troubles, leaving Rasmus Jensen in second and Leon Flint in third.
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Cycle News News Show Issue 5
Houston SX, Sprint Enduro, NGPC, MotoGP Silly Season, Triumph TF 450-C
