It was a significant weekend for International Speedway Australian competitors with the FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship Qualifying Challenge and the young ones competing in the FIM Speedway Youth Gold Trophy. Unfortunately, Max Fricke and Jack Holder would miss out on qualifying for the Speedway GP 2019 season.
The event at Landshut, Germany was a Speedway spectacular and was completely sold out with standing room only available. There was rain just after practice to help settle the dust and create ideal conditions. In the end, it was Janusz Kolodziej, Niels-Kristian Iversen and Antonio Lindback who earned themselves a spot in Speedway GP next year.
With both riders in sensational form, there was hope that Fricke and Holder might have a chance to snare a spot for next season, but they were up against tough opposition. Jack Holder’s older brother Chris was there to lend support to the duo.
Disaster would strike for Fricke, who suffered an engine failure in his last heat, meaning he missed the chance to fight for a top three spot needed to join Speedway GP next season. Although Fricke was disappointed he thanked his sponsors and mechanics for their hard work and hoped to be back next year. Holder would also miss out on a coveted top three position, managing to finish eighth at the conclusion of the night. He managed a great win in heat nine.
Both riders have experienced very successful seasons in their respective league matches and were both disappointed to miss out. Based on their rise through the ranks, it will not be difficult to see them fighting back for a spot next year!
It was a successful outing for Aussies Maurice Brown and James Pearson in the FIM Speedway Youth Gold Trophy. Brown managing to finish in ninth and Pearson in tenth, both collected six points. Taking the victory was Norick Blödorn from Germany. It has been really exciting to watch the growth of these future stars of Speedway!
Photos Christopher Horne