Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127839
SPEEDWAY Preview i 1997 Grandi Prix Ichedule Round Round Round Round Round 1 2 3 4 5 Round 6 Prague. Czech RepubliC Linkoping. Sweden Landshut. Germany Bradford. England Wroclaw. Poland Vojens. Denmark (Left) Bangl: The gate Is set to go up on the 1997 Speedway Grand Prix Sorles where reigning World Champion Billy Hamill (left) and Greg Hancock will be two of the chief contenders for the crown once again. By John Hipklss aJifornia's Billy Hamill will launch his bid to retain the World Speedway title in Prague, Czech Republic, on May 17, and he firmly believes that he has everything going for him to achieve just that, even though he has tough competition from the same _ main rivals as last year. Who can forget that magic night in Vojens, Denmark, when the young speed ace defied the odds to become America's champion in a dramatic fashion reminiscent of Bruce Penhall's title conquests in 1981-82. Since that day, Hamill has taken great strides forward, both on and off th.e track, with improved business enterprises and a new workshop base in Europe close to his parent British track at Cradley Heath. He has continued to develop into a complete professional and has been totally focused on retaining the title, starting with a good performance in Prague. "During the winter I managed to take a break from the whole thing," Hamill said. "And that was important because I was so busy throughout the world of speedway racing all last year. I felt refreshed and ready to go when we started again in March, but even though I've not been racing, I was still thinking about various business opportunities." Hamill said that one such opportunity came along when orie of speedway's top engine tuners, Carl Blomfeldt, split from 1993 World Champion Sam Ermolenko after the pair's long stretch together. That was fine by-Hamill. . "Carl stayed at our place during the winter for a spell, and we had time to talk about business, and that included me going into 'Bullet Enterprises' along May 17 June 14 July 5 August 9 August 30 September 20 Hamill said that it has all come about through his strong will to be a true and professional champion, both on and off the track. He is cognizant of the fact that in the sport of speedway, you never have a long reign at the top, and you never know what's around the corner. But for Hamill, right now, the opening Grand Prix at Prague is what he is trying to concentrate on, and he knows that his competitors will be gunning for him. "Hans Nielsen is sure to be a threat, and that's understandable because he keeps himself fit," Hamill said: "After he lost the title to me so late last season, I get the feeling that he'll be even hungrier to show a guy 10 years younger No time for jokes: Fellow Americans Hamill (right) and Hancock (far right) claim to be more ready than ever for the upcoming GPs. In the off-season, Hamill has devoted time to putting together a new business venture while Hancock spent another "lInter racing In . Australia. with my mechanic and manager Craig Cummings," Hamill said. "The idea then came about to employ Carl to help us get off the ground in dealing with other riders, but the main aim was to have the best people around to try and help me with the World Championship again. Carl was excited about the idea and so was Craig, so we put a business proposal together, and the' guys are working like a true, professional team. If there is ever a problem with my bikes, we are ready to work on it, no matter what the time is." For that reason Hamill said that he really believes he could not be better equipped than he is to go and defend the title, and that that's what he needed, because he knows that the other riders ... • will be wanting to take his championship away, and he wants to be ready for them. In the meantimer Hamill said that he has tried to handle the responsibility of being World Champion to the best of his "ability, such as making the usual TV and radio appearances in ,England, all the while working to ensure that he didn't neglect the h~d work of racing a speedway bike until the wlleels fall off. "Since the regular British speedway season started, I have brought out my own merchandise, which is exclusive to Billy Hamill," Hamill said. "And I also have my own telephone information line, which people can dial into and listen to me talking about my schedule and performances." that you can't beat experience. 1 have the greatest respect for Hans, and I will need to be as sharp as I have been to become World Champion again." But it doesn't stop there as Hamill is well aware that another stiff challenge may come from his friend, countryman and longtime teammate Greg·Hancock. "I've enjoyed Grand Prix racing because every race is a tough challenge, and my good buddy Greg has made a better start to the season than me in England," Hamill said. "He has really been flying, and 1 know that he'll be desperate to win the title..To be honest, if I am not to win it this year, then I hope that Greg does, because he is a fabulous rider, and I think he wi,11 be champion one day.