Speedway Motorcyclist Suspended After Failing to Submit to Drug Test

Speedway motorcyclist Sam Ermolenko of Cypress has been suspended from the British Speedway League for the 1988 season after he failed to submit to a drug test after a test series match against Great Britain in Hackney.

League officials Monday also requested that Ermolenko be suspended from all international competition next year. Ermolenko did not appear at the hearing after he broke his leg and wrist in a crash on Friday night in Vojens, Denmark.

Ermolenko was randomly selected to be tested after the international race in Hackney three weeks ago, but he reportedly told officials that he was too dehydrated to provide a sample, and later forgot about the test.

Ermolenko rode in the world championship 10 days ago, finishing third behind Denmark’s Hans Neilsen and Erik Gundersen. It was the second time in three years that he has finished third.

Harry Oxley, International Speedway Inc. promoter, said Ermolenko would be allowed to compete in Southern California races next season, despite the request for an international suspension. Ermolenko was scheduled to race in the U.S. Championship on Oct. 3 at the Orange County Fairgrounds, but will be replaced by former two-time champion Kelly Moran because of his injuries.