Wolverhampton Wolves
In 1986 (and until 1995) Sam returned to the UK to ride for the Wolverhampton Wolves in the British league. It was at Wolves that Sam established himself as a genuine World Class rider.
He rode for Sheffield in 1996, Belle Vue 1997 before returning to Wolverhampton in 1998. In 1999 he helped Hull 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 in 2005.
He was trainer/manager of Reading in 2006 and was involved in the bid to get Leicester Speedway back in the sport for the 2011 season.
Sam is the regular face of Sky Sports speedway coverage, doing both league and GP meetings.
He finished third in the World again in 1987 in Amsterdam (the first & only year when there was a two day world final - Sam was leading after day one) and fourth in 1988 World Final in Vojens, Denmark. Many tipped Sam for World title honours in 1989, however a horrific injury whilst racing long track meant that he would sit out the 1989 & 1990 world title races.
Sam did however lead the USA victory in the World team cup in 1990. Bad luck and injury meant Sam missed out on individual world honours in 1991 & 1992. However he Captained Wolves to the British League title and was crowned British League Riders Champion in 1991 & won both the World Pairs & World Team cup as USA captain in 1992.
Read more about this topic: Sam Ermolenko
Famous quotes containing the word wolves:
“It disturbs me no more to find men base, unjust, or selfish than to see apes mischievous, wolves savage, or the vulture ravenous for its prey.”
—Molière [Jean Baptiste Poquelin] (1622–1673)