Photo of race action with Billy “The Kid” Janniro, by MSD photography.
Wheelie photo of Billy “The Kid” Janniro, by Jim Heath.
Huge News for local racing fans – nine time and current AMA National Speedway Motorcycle racing Champion, Billy “The Kid” Janniro, of Rancho Cordova, California, will be making his first ever East Coast race appearance at the East Coast Spring Classic/Patrick Ahlund Championship at Champion Speedway in Owego on May 24.
Janniro, 34, raced for nearly 10 years in the World Famous British Speedway league along with the professional leagues in Poland and Sweden before returning to race Stateside six years ago. He also has represented the U.S.A. in World Team Cup competition in 2001 and 2013. He currently shares the record of nine U.S. National victories with 1996 World Champion, Billy Hamill, while current World Champion, American Greg Hancock, has eight. Janniro also has won numerous other speedway titles including four California State Championships, the 2009 California State Longtrack Title and multiple track Championships.
Champion Speedway Promoter, Jason Bonsignore, worked hard to get Janniro for the Memorial Day weekend opener at Champion as it is a special Sunday event and Janniro had a break in his busy racing schedule. Bonsignore is very thankful to have some help from two of Janniro’s sponsors, Jon and Bernie racing, which is one half comprised of veteran West Coast racer, Jon Stasiefski, who has raced many times in N.Y. and Big Time Speedway, the promoters of the Prairie City, Calif. speedway venue at the legendary Hangtown Motocross Park.
Having Janniro present will be an excellent opportunity for the local Champion stars to test their skills against the best. Those expected to compete best with Janniro would be current track Champion, Adam Mittl of Endicott, Casey Donholt of Port Crane, Mikey Buman of Binghamton, Dave Clark of Berkshire and Jesse Diem of Lancaster, Pa. Also signed up for the event are smooth riding veterans Jerry Harman, Keith Hawkins, Gene Bonsignore, Ron Walker, Russ Cornell, Dave Oakden, Alex Heath and more!
Promising speedy youngsters like Spencer Portararo, Brandon Bruzek, Brandon Sturzenegger, Andrew Clark and Roger Roberts will be looking to make an impact at the famous local track this season while a few veteran shockers may be in store – 1978 U.S. Open Champion and former crowd favorite, “Stormin” Norman Robinson has been practicing and says he may make a shock return this summer after a nearly 30 year layoff. Former Track Champion, Frank Watson, may also do several events.
Champion kicks off its 18th season under Bonsignore with the May 24 event. Start time for Sunday is 6 p.m. Admission prices are just $12.00 for adults, $4.00 for children six to 12, $10.00 for seniors and military, and parking is free. There is also great food and a go-kart fun track on site.
More information can be found at www.eastcoastspeedway.com.
