Ermolenko Wins Speedway Season Opener

Sam Ermolenko of Cypress won five of six scratch races to finish with 23 points and win the 21st season opener of speedway motorcycle racing in Southern California in front of 5,280 at Long Beach Veterans Stadium.

Gary Hicks of Glen Avon was second with 20 points, Bobby Schwartz of Costa Mesa and Rick Miller of Reseda tied for third with 19 points, and Gran Hancock of Costa Mesa had 17 points to finish fourth.