Bobby Schwartz Is Favorite in Speedway Motorcycle Race

Speedway motorcyclist Bobby Schwartz of Balboa Island is the favorite tonight in the final round of the Spring race on the quartermile track at Veterans’ Stadium in Long Beach. First heat race begins at 8 o’clock.

Schwartz is one of only four American riders who will return to British Speedway League racing following tonight’s race. Joining Schwartz overseas will be Rick Miller, John Cook and Shawn Moran.

Schwartz won the American Final on the same track last May and has won two World Best Pairs titles. He won the scratch main event at San Bernardino last Sunday.

Lance King, who finished third in the World Final last year, has decided to remain at home this year after contract negotiations ended with his British team at Cradley Heath.

“I’ve bought two new bikes and plan on staying home this year unless Cradley comes up with a better offer,” King said. “The value of the pound has fallen so much that it isn’t worth it to me to go over there and race.”

King isn’t the only rider who has decided to stay home. Steve Lucero, Sam Ermolenko and Robert Pfetzing all have informed their British teams they won’t be returning this season. All are considered experts on the big Long Beach track.

U.S. champion Kelly Moran won the scratch main at Ventura last week but failed to qualify for the same race at San Bernardino. Tim McCasland has won two handicap main events in this season’s series.