Ermolenko Favorite in Speedway Championship

Speedway motorcyclist Sam Ermolenko of Cypress, who finished third in the world championship last August, is the favorite tonight in the national championship races at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.

Ermolenko tied with Danish veterans Erik Gundersen and Hans Nielsen for the world title but lost the crown in a runoff at Bradford, England. He received several offers to remain in England to ride but elected to return home and try for the national title.

Each rider in the field of 16 will compete in five four-lap heats on the tricky, 190-yard oval, with a rider scoring three points for a win, two for a second place and one for a third. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., with the first heat scheduled for 8.

Kelly Moran, two-time defending champion, has failed to win a scratch main event this year.