By: Michael Kirby

Cameron Krezman, 15, and first-time AMA National Champion Levi Leutz, 10, stood atop the podium at Fast Fridays on July 12 as the 2019 250cc and 150cc AMA Youth Speedway National Champions.

It was Krezman’s second time claiming an AMA No. 1 plate in youth speedway competition, and he won it at the same track where he saw his first speedway event with his aunt. He also holds the 2014 AMA 150cc Division II Speedway title.

The Newcastle, Calif., resident is coached by 1996 FIM World Speedway Champion, five-time AMA Speedway National Champion and 2012 AMA Sportsman of the Year Billy Hamill. Krezman rode to victory on a recently purchased Jawa.

Heading into the event, Krezman said it was his goal to win the 250cc title and he felt the pressure to win increased as he progressed through the event.

He said conditions got dusty as the night went on but he still felt very comfortable on his home track.

“We tried some new set-up settings and riding techniques,” Krezman said. “Everything just felt really good that night.”

Krezman’s father, Robert Krezman, said recreational motorcycle riding runs in the family but the younger Krezman is the first in the family to take the leap into motorcycle competition.

“I’m so proud of him,” Robert said of his son. “He’s worked really hard to get to this point.”

The elder Krezman was grateful for the support the speedway community has given to his family and credits Hamill’s ability to mentor other riders and work with youth as a big reason for Cameron’s success.

“I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a more supportive group than the speedway racing community,” Robert said. “When something goes wrong with a rider, everybody pitches in to help them.”

Winning the AMA 250cc Youth Speedway title marks the end of youth competition for Cameron. He is planning to step up to the lower levels of adult 500cc speedway competition this year.

Meanwhile, Levi Leutz put in a strong performance on his way to capturing the 150cc crown.

The rider from Yucaipa, Calif. won both his semi-final race and the 150cc main event. He had a tough battle with runner-up Nick Hohlbein in the main event, but held on to take the win and lay claim to his first AMA No. 1 plate.