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USA Vs The World 2008 Fast Fridays Ca
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Fast Fridays, Auburn, California USA - October 24, 2008.
The annual USA vs. the World was held on a pleasantly warm evening for the time
of year, on a well prepared racetrack. 6 top Americans, verses 6 top World
riders, with Bobby Hedden, who stepped up to serve the curious role of reserve
for both sides.
On paper, the world side looked very good. After watching the previous night's
practice session, I would have thought we needed at least Hancock and Janniro to
have a victorious US side. Lubos Tomicek of the Czech Republic returned for a
second year after his sensational 2007 visit, where he was top scorer. German GP
rider from the previous weekend's aborted German GP looked very fast in
practice, as did first time visitors Maciej Janwoski and Janusz Kolodziej, both
young riders from Poland. These four were all youngsters. Mariusz Puszakowski,
who also from Poland made his debut in the event last year when he scored 6
points. Seasoned veteran Phil Collins top scorer of the same event held in Ascot
23 years earlier, completed the field. Full credit to Fast Fridays promoter,
Dave Joiner for putting together a great world team.
But come the night, the final score was
USA 56 to the World team score of 52 points.
The four brightest stars were the youngsters of the World team. Full credit went
to Martin Smolinski and Maciej Janwoski. Both gated well and when they missed
the gate, they made every effort to get to the front. Smolinski was unlucky in
his third ride to have chain break while leading. This event turned from an
otherwise sure 4-2 to the world to a 2-4. The 4 points difference would have
turned the final score to a draw. The two veterans in the world team were the
low scorers.
The US team was similar to last year, except youngsters Wells and Ingalls
replaced Yarrow and Fisher. There really was not a weak link in the US team, all
riders rode well, with Wells and Venegas as top scorers.