CRAIG BOYCE ANALYSIS: AUSTRALIAN SPEEDWAY CENTENARY RIDERS

During the countdown to the much anticipated Australian Speedway Centenary, being staged at North Brisbane Speedway, on December 28 and 29, Aussie solo legend, Craig Boyce, offers an expert insight into the riders taking part.

Boyce, a triple Australian Champion, World Team Cup Champion and former World Number #3, also fulfilled the role as Australian Team Manager, when he retired. In more recent years, Craig has been the major driving force behind a highly successful development and coaching initiative, known as the “Speedway Experience” – a program that has proven hugely beneficial to many young riders on the East Coast.

In part one, of two, Craig provides his expert insight into the riders’ participating in the Ikon Suspension 500cc Solo Centurion Classic on December 29. On this occasion, Boycey succinctly evaluates the riders numbered 1 through to 8….

Here’s what he says……

1/ JACOB HOOK (QLD)

“Jacob’s a good kid, with a bright future ahead of him. His selection in this meeting is a reward for putting i.”

2/ JAIMON LIDSEY (VIC)

“Jaimon has already won a World Under 21 Title, so that says it all. He’ll mix it with the big boys and he’ll definitely handle being on the big stage at the Australian Speedway Centenary. He could make the final.”

3/ RYAN DOUGLAS (QLD)

“Ryan is incredible around North Brisbane and he’s just finished a cracking season abroad. I would not be surprised if he makes the final. He’s brave and a real racer.”

4/ DECLAN KENNEDY (QLD)

“Declan is a racer’s racer and he knows the North Brisbane track extremely well. He’s done nothing wrong in his career to date and I’m sure he’ll have the self-confidence to try and mix it with the Grand Prix boys.”

5/ RASMUS JENSEN (DEN)

“Rasmus is a great addition to the field and on his night he is capable of anything. He’s had plenty of experience at the top level in Europe. He’ll be right in the mix on the first corner in every race he contests. You don’t win the Danish Championship unless you’re bloody good and he’s done that.”

6/ TAI WOFFINDEN (GB)

“What more can be said? Tai is a Triple World Champion and I know he loves the layout of the track in Brisbane. He’s coming back from a nasty hand injury, but he didn’t come to Australia for a haircut! He’s coming to win. Woofy IS absolutely one of the boys to beat. A genuine super star of our sport.”

7/ KEYNAN REW (QLD)

“Keynan’s got plenty of ability and I’m looking forward to watching him perform at this meeting. He’s got no shortage of aggression and speed, so he’ll be in the fight. A possible finalist, via the semi-final.”

8/ TATE ZISCHKE (QLD)

“Darcy Ward’s got a big opinion of this kid and I can see why. He’s definitely a goer and whilst I can’t see him making the final, I can see him producing moments of brilliance.”

In part two of Craig Boyce’s, Australian Speedway Centenary rider insight, to be published next week, he’ll discuss; riders 9 to 16, which includes;

9/ MAX FRICKE (VIC), 10/ CHRIS HOLDER (NSW), 11/ ADAM ELLIS (GB), 12/ DAN BEWLEY (GB), 13/ SAM MASTERS (NSW), 14/ BRADY KURTZ (NSW), 15/ JASON DOYLE (NSW), 16/ ROHAN TUNGATE (NSW).

Then it will be five-time Australian Sidecar Champion, Glenn O’Brien’s turn to provide his thoughts on the field contesting the Serco Sidecar Centurions Trophy on December 28.

Tickets for the Australian Speedway Centenary are available now – https://www.ticketebo.com.au/speedwaycentenary