Bartosz Zmarzlik targets a record-breaking seventh title, but a stacked field, led by a fired-up Aussie quartet, stands in his way
The 2026 Speedway Grand Prix Series kicks off on 2 May at Landshut in Germany and the 10 scheduled rounds provide reigning world champ Bartosz Zmarzlik with the platform to become the winningest rider in the history of the championship.
Should the quietly spoken 31-year-old Polish racer capture this year’s crown, he will surpass the records of the late Kiwi Ivan Mauger and the great Swede Tony Rickardsson by becoming the first man to secure seven world championships.
While he will start the year as favourite, on paper the 2026 field looks a lot stronger than any he’s faced in recent seasons. The English contingent of Dan Bewley and Robert Lambert will be tough to unsettle, with both showing extremely good form in early-season racing across the northern hemisphere. Former motocross rider Bewley is a particular threat and known for blistering speed once he gets in front. If he makes the start, look out!
Another northern hemisphere rider who can really deliver is 34-year-old permanent wildcard Patryk Dudek (Poland). As the reigning Polish and European champion, he’s one to watch.
Australia has again overachieved as we will supply four of the 16 riders! 31-year-old Cowra-born racer Brady Kurtz finished runner-up last year and won an unprecedented five GPs in a row, being pipped in the overall results by a single point. The likeable redhead will be looking to go one better this year, and hopefully he hasn’t lost his mojo due to not riding at all in the off season. Big chance.
Another serious threat is current world number five Jack Holder. The ultra-fit racer was sublime in winning the 2026 Australian championship this past January. Having grown up racing alongside Kurtz, Holder will be super keen to stop Zmarzlik’s quest to capture title number seven. Jack is a man on the move.
Rounding out our contingent will be 2017 world champion Jason Doyle, and super smooth Victorian Max Fricke. Doyle is well known for his aggression and outside passing moves, while Fricke is a born racer but can be inconsistent on less than perfect tracks. Both riders deserve their place in the field.
So there it is. Can Zmarzlik make history, or will one of our boys spoil the party? Hopefully it’s the latter.
