Dillon Ruml is a rider, originally from the United States, who made his European speedway debut in the 2021 season for British club Plymouth Gladiators. "It was an eye-opener in the sense of what is possible on a bike and what I need to do to get to the level I want to be at" says the young American in an interview with our portal.
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Magdalena Magdziarz (speedwaynews.pl): Dill, the past 2021 season was quite a breakthrough in your career so far. A significant step for you was that for the first time since you've been riding speedway, you spent it no longer in your home country. How would you sum up your first season in Europe?
Dillon Ruml: Yes, 2021 was my first season racing outside of the United States. It was an eye-opener in the sense of what is possible on a bike and what I need to do to get to the level I want to be at. To sum it up, it was a great season and I took it simply as a learning experience for my first year.
– You followed in the footsteps of your older brother, Max, and like him, signed in the UK. However, the trip to Europe was quite expensive, so you wanted to raise money for the start by organizing a golf tournament. When approaching the organization of this event, whose support could you count on? With what result did this golf tournament ultimately end?
– Racing in the UK can be very expensive, especially as a rider coming from the United States. I had helped to put together a golf tournament from Aaron Fox, (former British league rider) but unfortunately, due to timing, it was unsuccessful. Fortunately, I had a ton of help through sponsors, promoters, and the American speedway community to raise the funds needed to get me started.
– How would you rate your season in Europe? Have you fulfilled all that you set as a goal?
– Being a new rider in the British circuit was difficult, and the start of my season was not easy. Due to rain offs and a not so busy schedule, it made it that much tougher. Once I was on the bike consistently, I made a ton of progress and was able to show my abilities on a bike with some good results.
– In your debut season in Europe, you signed with a club run by promoter Mark Phillips. Will you also be a Plymouth Gladiators player next season?
– Nothing is set in stone yet. I had a great time racing for the Plymouth Gladiators and have been in contact with them. If it works out, I will happily put on the Plymouth suit, but if it doesn’t, I wish them the best and I am grateful for the experience they’ve given me.
– What do you think about the condition of speedway in the USA? How would you sum up the struggles of the speedway centers that are in your country? In the last few weeks that you've been back in the States, you've been competing in Bakersfield, among other places. How would you sum up this competition?
– Racing in America is great, and the competition has gotten better since I left. Transitioning from British tracks to smaller, American tracks aren't easy, but I enjoy it. Bakersfield is definitely one of our best tracks and if prepped correctly, can put on great races opening up multiple race lines.
– You've already accumulated experience in both the American and British speedway. So putting these sports together in these two countries, what differences would you point out?
– I would say there is a huge difference between American and British Speedway. The tracks, the style of racing, and competition all differ quite a bit. It’s a humbling experience and you realize there is much more to learn on these bikes. I enjoy my program a bit more in the UK and am eager to get back for the 2022 season though.
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