LUKE BECKER was the star in stripes as America won the latest test match against the Rest of the World.
The new Leicester star romped to four stunning wins in a 12-point haul in the 61-52 win at Kern County Raceway in Bakersfield, California and then went onto victory in the individual event.
Typically, Chris Harris was also the main attraction with a swashbuckling 18 points - with two double points wins - only an engine failure while leading Heat 1 stopped him taking a full maximum.
Another home win for the Americans was never really in doubt during this eventful meeting, live on BSN.
Former Edinburgh ace Max Ruml top scored for the US with 13 while ex-Glasgow second string Broc Nicol picked up seven.
Tom Brennan was outstanding for the Rest of the World with 17 points and admitted: “That was a perfect warm-up for the new season. I’m really happy with my performance.
“We had a bit of bad luck in Heat 1 but America always had a bit extra through the meeting. It was a good event though and some good racing. It’s awesome to do this meeting again and thanks to the organisers for making it happen. It’s such good preparation for a long season ahead in Europe.”
Bomber roared clear in the opener only for his bike to grind to a halt on the last corner just as Becker made a late outside charge. That gifted the home side a 5-1.
Another maximum from Becker and Broc Nicol in Heat 6 put America in control and they never looked in danger of surrendering that lead.
Harris did briefly force the Rest of the World back into contention after a controversial Heat 7. He was used as a joker and on double points.
But the former British Champion pulled up when the yellow flags were shown by marshalls after Austin Novratil had crashed at the back. The race continued and Gino Manzares took the win as Harris complained he did not realise that the race could continue under the yellow flag. Officials later awarded him the win.
Harris and Brennan kept plugging away for the visitors with vital wins. A late 5-1 from Harris and Leon Flint narrowed the deficit to seven points but Becker and Billy Janniro wrapped up the victory with their own maximum two races later.
Young Brit William Cairns also impressed with a couple of stylish and easy wins in the junior races.
USA: Max Ruml 13, Luke Becker 12, Gino Manzares 9, Broc Nicol 7, Billy Janniro 7, Dillon Ruml 7, Alex Martin 3, Slater Lightcup 3.
Rest of the World: Chris Harris 18, Tom Brennan 17, Leon Flint 7, Paco Castagna 6, Pawel Trzesniewski 3, Austin Novratil 1, Wilbur Hancock 0, Russell Green 0.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.