DOYLE’S AUSSIE CLOSURE?

Photographs by: High Speed Photographix

Speedway GP star Jason Doyle hints this Aussie summer season may be his last as he bids for FIM Oceania Championship glory at Adelaide’s Gillman Speedway on Wednesday, December 28.

Doyle has made few appearances Down Under since he famously clinched his 2017 Speedway GP world title with victory in the FIM Speedway GP of Australia – Melbourne.

But he’s back in action in Adelaide in a meeting also featuring British-born and Aussie-raised triple world champion Tai Woffinden.

They are joined by former Australian Champion Rohan Tungate, 2021 British champion Adam Ellis, former Aussie Championship runner-up Justin Sedgmen and Australian Under-21 international Fraser Bowes, who raced in July’s FIM SON2 event. Jake Turner is the sole New Zealander in the field.

Doyle then lines up in his first Australian Championship series since 2015 from January 3-11, which sees him take on Speedway GP rivals Max Fricke and Jack Holder, plus the likes of 2012 World Champion Chris Holder, Brady Kurtz, Sam Masters and Tungate over four rounds.

The Norwich-based racer has flown his best machinery Down Under in his quest to win a second Australian Championship and ensure he’s ready for the new European season. While the 37-year-old is delighted to be back in his homeland, he admits it may be his last summer campaign in Australia.

He said: “I went back after I won the World Championship in Melbourne and did a couple of meetings then, but I haven’t ridden in the Aussie titles for a few years. I am looking forward to getting back on the bike there.

“I think this is my final crack at riding in Australia. I am getting to that point in my career where I need to have the off-season off and not ride bikes. It also costs a lot of money to bring bikes back. I have sent two bikes back and engines, ready for a good crack at the Australian title.”

Doyle can’t wait to take on Woffinden for the FIM Oceania crown on a night the Brit makes his debut at the Gillman circuit.

It’s believed to be the first time two World Champions have lined up at the Adelaide track on the same night, and Doyle believes the meeting offers him the perfect build-up to the Aussie Championship opener, which also takes place at Gillman next Tuesday.

He said: “Racing in the FIM Oceania meeting ties in quite well with the Australian titles. I know a few of the boys have already ridden a few meetings in Adelaide, so they will be a bit ahead of the game with how the track is and set-ups. It’s just about testing and getting ready for the Aussie title.

“Having Tai in the field too is great for Australian speedway, and hopefully he can come over and put on a good show for everyone. It’s always nice to be riding with Tai.”

Tungate will also fancy his chances of lifting the FIM Oceania crown after winning the Boxing Day Spectacular at his home track Kurri Kurri, beating second-placed Jack Holder and Chris Holder in third.

FIM OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIP LINE-UP: Fraser Bowes, Jason Doyle, Adam Ellis, Steven Graetz, Patrick Hamilton, Zane Keleher, Liam May, Brayden McGuinness, Jack Morrison, Cooper Riordan, Justin Sedgmen, Rohan Tungate, Jake Turner, Michael West, Tai Woffinden, Dayle Wood. RESERVES: Jackson Milner, Declan Knowles.