Australia’s FIM Under 21’s World Championship competitors, the Joeys are seeded straight through to the final, after achieving a gritty win in Germany.
The team comprised of Max Fricke, Jack Holder, Brady Kurtz and debutant Josh Pickering have booked their place directly into the eagerly anticipated final on the 2nd of September at Rybnik, Poland.
The Joeys battled against Great Britain and two German teams, after Russia withdrew at an eleventh hour. As the second ranked team in the world, the Joeys are well placed to have a crack at the title this year.
Australia scored a total of 47 out of a maximum of 60 points. The UK scored 40 points, while Germany scored 33 points. A strong result for the Aussies is a fantastic way to kick off the finals campaign.
Fricke and Kurtz scored maximum points at the race, with Holder and Pickering also playing pivotal roles in the victory. Great Britain was Australia’s greatest challenger, with Robert Lambert and Adam Eillis performing great rides, however they were no match for the perfection that Kurtz and Fricke displayed.
Team Manager Mark Lemon was pleased with the performance of the Joeys team.
“I’m thrilled, first place and straight to the final in Poland! Max and Brady in particular were on it and rode brilliantly! Despite the track not being in optimal condition, the boys kept their heads and produced the goods. Looking forward to the final in Poland.” Lemon explained.
The FIM Under 21’s World Championship pits competitors from the age of 16 to 21. The Championship also features several of the greatest rising talents in Speedway.
Rivals Poland has also been guaranteed a spot in the finals, as they are the previous Champions from last year. After Australia placed runner up in last year, the Team are raring to have another go at this year’s title. Poland has dominated the Championship in the past with a record nine victories.
With Australia being in the right age demographic, with the majority of the team comprised of 21 year olds, now is the time to strike.
Max Fricke in particular should be strong at his home track at Rybnik, Poland; providing the Aussies a strong asset, as he knows the track like the back of his hand.
Keep an eye out for further updates on the Australian Speedway Facebook page in preparation for the final on the 2nd of September.
Results
Australia – 47
Brady Kurtz 15 (3,3,3,3,3)
Max Fricke 15 (3,3,3,3,3)
Jack Holder 10 (2,u,2,3,3)
Josh Pickering 7 (3,1,1,1,1)
Great Britain – 40
Robert Lambert 12 (2,3,3,2,2)
Adam Ellis 12 (2,3,2,2,3)
Josh Bates 9 (1,2,2,2,2)
Dan Bawley 7 (t,1,2,2,2)
Ellis Perks ns
Germany 1 – 33
Michael Haertel 16 (3,2,3,6!,1,1)
Richard Geyer 6 (2,1,1,1,1)
Domink Moeser 5(1,2,1,-,1)
Lukas Fienhage 6 (1,2,1,w,2)
Germany 2 – 2
Niels Oliver Wessel 2 (1,1,0,0,0)
Josef Nebauer 0 (0,d,0,d,0)
Marius Hillebrand 0 (0,0,0,0,0)
