British Rider Phil Collins Is Among Favorites for Speedway Championship

British rider Phil Collins will be among the favorites tonight in the 19th U.S. championship speedway motorcycle races at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.

Collins spent the 1987 season in Southern California, where he became only the third foreign rider to qualify for the championship. He became a crowd favorite at Costa Mesa with his daring outside moves on the 190-yard oval and his good-natured attitude toward fellow riders and fans in the pit area.

He experienced mechanical problems throughout most of the season but won two scratch main events at Costa Mesa and was the leader in Ascot Park’s track championship series after three rounds. However, carburetor problems plagued him on his final two rides.

Collins won the junior world championship for riders under 21 in 1978 and was the British Commonwealth champion in 1983.

Kelly Moran, who won the title in 1983-84, was scheduled to replace injured Sam Ermolenko in the 16-rider field but went to England Tuesday and had not returned by Friday.

The first of 20 heats is scheduled for 8.