Sam Ermolenko
Sam Ermolenko (left) and Roman Jankowski
|
|
| Born |
November 23, 1960 Maywood, California |
|---|---|
| Nationality |  |
| Current club information | |
| Career status | Retired |
| Career history | |
| 1983-1984 | Poole Pirates |
| 1986-1995, 1998, | Wolverhampton Wolves |
| 1996 | Sheffield Tigers |
| 1997, 2002 | Belle Vue Aces |
| 1999 | Hull Vikings |
| 2005 | Peterborough Panthers |
| Individual honours | |
| 1993 | World Champion |
| 1986, 1989, 1994, 2000 | Overseas Champion |
| 1991, 1994 | British League Riders' Champion |
| 1993, 1994 | USA National Champion |
| 1996 | Elite League Riders' Champion |
| 2003 | Scottish Open Champion |
| Team honours | |
| 1990, 1992, 1993, 1998, | World Team Cup |
| 1992 | World Pairs Champion |
| 1991 | British League Champion |
Guy Allen 'Sudden Sam' Ermolenko (born November 23, 1960 Maywood, California) is a former speedway rider. In 1993 he won the Speedway World Championship in Pocking, Germany. He is the older brother of Charles 'Dukie' Ermolenko who also rode in the UK.
After originally showing an interest in , Ermolenko began riding in the Californian speedway circuit. As he wore red leathers, former World Champion Barry Briggs suggested the nickname of "The mad Russian" (Due to Sam's family roots) although it is believed this is not something Sam himself was keen on.
After some liberal success in California, Ermolenko moved over to the UK to race for the Poole Pirates for the 1983 British League season. He soon become a big hit with fans in Dorset and was welcomed back in 1984. In 1985, he could not agree a deal to return to the UK so raced back home in California. He did however qualify for the World Final at Bradford's Odsal Stadium and came within a whisker of winning the World Title, narrowly losing out after a run-off with Danish duo Hans Nielsen and (eventual winner) Erik Gundersen. Ermolenko also rode for Västervik in the Swedish elite league 1992-1998. He was top scorer for Västervik all 7 seasons.
In 1986 (and until 1995) Ermolenko returned to the UK to ride for the Wolverhampton Wolves in the British League. It was at Wolves that he established himself as a genuine World Class rider.
He rode for Sheffield Tigers in 1996, Belle Vue Aces 1997 before returning to Wolverhampton in 1998. In 1999 he helped Hull Vikings in their short stint in the top league before returning to Wolves in 2000 and 2001. In 2002 he had another spell at Belle Vue and at the age of 42 he again rejoined parent club Wolverhampton for the 2003 and 2004 season before spending his final season at Peterborough Panthers in 2005.
...
Wikipedia