Australian competitors in the 2017 EKO-DIR FIM Speedway U21 World Championship are taking the fight down to the wire as three talented Aussies currently reside in the top ten of the 20 strong field, as the third and final round of the championship kicks off in the Czech Republic, Pardubice on September 29.

Title defender, Max Fricke is currently third in the overall classification on 28 with a three-point deficit to the Polish leader, Maksym Drabik on 31. Fricke had a good performance on the tough and technical track in Güstrow for Round 2. In five heats, he finished first three times and second twice. In the semi-final, the Victorian rider from Mansfield had a good start, but made a mistake at the second corner, throwing him from his machine.

Max Fricke shared; “I’m happy with my performance. Everything had been going according to plan, until this unfortunate semi. I had a good start, but at the second corner, someone bumped into me and I fell. It happens. I’m satisfied with my achievements, because just a few weeks ago, I thought my season was over. I’m glad I could be back so quickly.

“When I woke up in the morning, I felt that everything’s not fine. I still feel this injury, so I’m even more happy with this result I got here. I came to Güstrow with a plan, which I was able to execute. For the last month, I had to take a break from Speedway, but I did everything to make it here in Germany. I did it, so I’m happy with my score.

“I’m still in the game to win it. Three points is not a lot. I’ll do my best to achieve the best possible result.” The current U21 World Champion added.
Fellow Aussie, Brady Kurtz had a spectacular performance in the second round of FIM Speedway U-21 World Championship 2017 in Güstrow. Thanks to 18 points he gathered, he climbed into 4th position overall.

After the first round, which took place in Poznań, ‘BK’ was far down in the overall classification and his poor performance was caused by an injury caught in the Polish 1st League match.

Kurtz said; “Everyone knows that I wasn’t fully recovered in Poznań. The track didn’t help me either. I started on this track many times and I do like it. Tough conditions also suit me. I’m happy with my score. Pardubice is another track, which gives me lots of joy. I’ve had many points there. My goal is to get another 18 points.” Kurtz ended.
Jack Holder rounds out the Aussie top ten assault as he sits in eighth position on 17 championship points.

U21 STANDINGS Full standings
1M. Drabik #133pts:31
2B. Smektała #115pts:30
3M. Fricke #1pts:28
4B. Kurtz #101pts:24
5R. Lambert #505pts:24
6A. Lyager #114pts:19
7D. Kubera #463pts:17
8J. Holder #25pts:17
9K. Woryna #222pts:16
10J. Kostigov #113pts:15

Words and Photo courtesy of speedwayu21.com