Ermolenko Returns to Speedway’s World Final

Speedway motorcyclist Sam Ermolenko of Cypress will attempt for the third time to win a world championship beginning today in the World Final at Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam.

Ermolenko and John Cook of Roseville, Calif., are the only Americans in the 16-rider field, which is headed by Danish stars Hans Nielsen and Erik Gundersen, who are rated the favorites.

Ermolenko, who rides for Wolverhampton in the British Speedway League, qualified for his first world championship in 1985 and stunned the speedway world by tying Nielsen and Gundersen for first place in Bradford, England. Gundersen won a four-lap runoff to win the title, with Nielsen finishing second and Ermolenko third.

Ermolenko finished seventh in the World Final in Chorzow, Poland, last year, when Nielsen won his first title. Ermolenko competed with a nagging eye injury, which he suffered when he was struck by a stone while standing in the pit area at a British Speedway League match at Cradley.

This year, Ermolenko has been embroiled in controversy after he failed to submit to a drug test two weeks ago in a U.S.-England test match at Hackney. He said he was dehydrated after the race and later forgot about the test, resulting in a suspension from the British Speedway League.

Ermolenko rode at Sheffield last Sunday in the final test series against England and was the top scorer with 12 points. He is scheduled to have a hearing on Sept. 14 to appeal his suspension. The league’s decision to suspend him won’t affect his participation in the World Final.

Cook will be making his first appearance in a World Final. He hasn’t competed in Southern California for two years since he joined the professional jet ski circuit.

This year’s champion will be crowned after two days of competition. Each rider will compete in 10 heat races, and a perfect score will be 30 points.