BRITISH SPEEDWAY JANUARY 12, 2024
(SPEEDWAY 1)
KURTZ WINS ROUND FOUR
BELLE Vue captain Brady Kurtz took victory in Thursday’s fourth round of the Australian Championship at Mildura – as Max Fricke extended his series lead.
Kurtz, who is back for a fourth season with the Aces this year, enjoyed his best meeting of the competition and now has an outside chance of challenging for a top four finish overall.
But it was also a successful evening for Leicester star Fricke, who finished runner-up and crucially now holds a five-point advantage over his main rival for top honours, Rohan Tungate of Oxford.
Tungate conceded two points to Fricke in the qualifying races and then finished one place behind him in the Final as he came home third, whilst there was also disappointment for defending champion Jack Holder.
The Sheffield man crashed out of the Final and trails Fricke by 11 points, meaning he is now likely to be in a battle for bronze with Belle Vue’s Jaimon Lidsey who is on the same total. The series concludes at Gillman on Saturday.
(SPEEDWAY 2)
OXFORD newcomer Chris Harris says he is relishing the challenge ahead having signed up to join the latest stage of the Cowley club’s remarkable regeneration.
Harris will be part of the Spires line-up in the Sports Insure Premiership as top-flight speedway returns to the venue for the first time since 2007, as part of a package which sees them operate at all three levels this year.
He told oxfordspeedway.club: “Oxford is a track I’ve always enjoyed going to over the years.
“It’s a great shape, so to be a home rider now in the Premiership is very exciting for me – and we’ve found a good set-up which works for us in the last two years.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone trackside come March; a lot of supporters have asked me when am I going to come and ride for Oxford – which has been answered now!
“Now it’s down to myself and the team to deliver on track. I’m looking forward to working with Peter (Schroeck, Team Manager) who has a great background in the sport and always puts 100 per cent into the job he’s handed.”
NO PRESSURE ON ZMARZLIK AFTER LATVIAN GP WIN