Given that I'm a new racer to speedway I'm probably not the best person to be interviewing the '96' World Champion. But speaking to Billy Hammill on several occasions put me at ease.I soon became aware that he is a cool, down to earth person and was will to answer my questions to help promote speedway.

Q:How do you feel being not only world champion,but America's only champion this year in motorcycle racing.
BH: Its very cool, I guess I picked a good year to be the only one, huh! (laughing). I feel that its a big honor.

Q: Having achieved the top of the ladder so to speak,what are some of your future speedway goals?
BH: Well I just basically plan to go out and achieve a lot more this year. I'm hoping to do things better and get things done the right way. I'm going to strive to be a bit more competitive. By no means am I planning to just sit around and take it easy since I'm the new world champion.

Q: So this year your headed to Bell Vue. How is that switch going to affect you?
BH: It's not going to make that big of a difference adapting to a new track. I'm just going to keep an open mind and take it as a new challenge.

Q:You won't be teamed up with Greg either, right?
BH:Yeah, thats right. We've been teammates for a long time. The funny thing is though I think my first meeting is against his team. Were also going to be team Exide again for this years Grand Prix. Exide has confirmed sponsorship for us which is a big help in keeping us on top.

Q:How do think you and some of the other American riders will get along on the new team this year?
BH: We do get along really well. Chris and I are like old kids that grew up together riding at Costa Mesa. Sam is from an older generation of speedway rides who has a lot of experience to offer and will lend a hand whenever he can. I think we have a hell of a chance this year. It's probably one of the best teams that I've seen on paper. If we can all stay healthy and keep it on two wheels we will do alright.

Q:What is you opinion of some of the new rules like the helmet color issue?
BH: Well since they deciced to keep the helmet colors after all I'm kinda of bummed out. My sponsor Troy Lee Designs Does some excellent work and I think that they reflect the riders style and personality. Anything would be better than identifying the riders by those shower caps. I think they could like paint the rear fenders or something.

Q:How do you feel about the tactical rider rule?
BH: I think that its neat, I like the idea. I believe that it will add a lot more excitement to the races. It will be cool to see some guy start of the line and go for it, like a do or die situation sort of similiar to hockey.

Q:Do you think that speedway in the U.S. will ever reach the status that it has in Europe?
BH: I think that it has to be brought to a national series before anything will happen. Its virtually unknown across the U.S. Its going to just have to take a hungry promoter to take it by the horns and get the job done. There could be kids who see it and be an excellent rider and be a pro but we'll never know it. Did you know that the U.S. hasn't applied for a GP in the past ten years and there countries less likely to have speedway applying for it.

Q:One of the questions that I recieved by e'mail wanted to know if you think that Cradely has a future.
BH: Yeah, I think they're finally cutting through all the red tape.Its looking very promising for them.

Q:What do you think those of us who are attempting to promote speedway on the internet could do to futher it along.
BH:I would suggest looking to see what some of the other sports are doing. Take a look at NASCAR, and other successful motorsports and see what there doing and I guess follow suit.

Look for the a new Team Exide homepage to be out soon this year. Also, Keep and eye out for billy! Maybe those emails or signings in you guest book aren't just from a fan. Billy isn't just at the starting line he's, online!!

-Division 1-

	#8 Donnie Robinson ("Long Gone") Age: 14, (8-19-82) Hometown: Garden Grove, Ca Experience: 1 yr. Bike: Jawa
Accomplishments: 1996 Rookie of the Year, 2nd Div. 1996 2nd Place, Junior Speedway Nationals, 2nd Div. 1996 Main Event Placements: 5) 1st Place, 2) 2nd Place	Sponsors:

C	#11 Tony Martinez Age: 13, (11-20-83) Hometown: Concord, Ca Experience: 1 yr. Bike:Weslake 250/Honda 250
Sponsors: C&E Auburn Harley Davidson Deck Doctor Car Quest Lucero Mach. Toy Racing Sew Fast American Field Machining MTZ Racing

	#74 Jimmy Martinez Age: 15, (5-15-81) Hometown: Concord, Ca Experience: 3 yr. Bike:Weslake 250
Sponsors: C&E Auburn Harley Davidson Deck Doctor Car Quest Lucero Mach. Toy Racing Sew Fast American Field Machining MTZ Racing

-Division 2-

	#10 Tim Gomez ("Bookin Bubba") Age: 8 , (10-11-88) Hometown: Hesperia, Ca. Experience: 1 yr. Bike: Honda & Weslake 1996 Main Events Accomplishments: 2) 2nd Place 3) 3rd Place
Sponsons: Captain Jack Martel Motorsports Fisher Racing TMG Racing J.S.P (Junior Speedway Products) Ken Mealey-Hot Shoes	Tim Gomez with riders, Billy Hamill, Ronnie Correy, Josh Larsen, and Dukie Ermolenko