Promoter Cancels American Final Speedway Motorcycle Race

The American Final, the premier event in speedway motorcycle racing, has been canceled by promoter Harry Oxley of San Clemente after he failed to reach an agreement with the sanctioning American Motorcycle Assn.

The race, traditionally the first step for American riders toward the world championship, was scheduled May 30 at Ventura Raceway.

“The event is not financially viable under the AMA,” Oxley said. “The AMA increased the insurance premium from $630 to $4,000 and its sanctioning fee from $250 to $5,000. Paying the AMA $9,000 to put on an event in a 3,000-seat stadium just doesn’t work.”

Oxley estimated he spent about $5,000 on the race this year after moving from Long Beach Veterans Stadium to Ventura. The AMA will now select the five riders who will advance to the Overseas Final in Britain based on their scoring averages in the British Speedway League.

“Now, (U.S. champion) Mike Faria has no chance to qualify for the Overseas Final, and he’s riding with the AMA’s No. 1 plate,” Oxley said.

Faria does not compete in the British Speedway League, opting to ride in Southern California.