Mark Lemon is a name synonymous with Australian Speedway, having enjoyed a long career overseas in British Speedway and winning the Victoria State Championship on three occasions. Now Lemon is Team Manager for both the Senior and Under-21 Australian Speedway teams and he is also the manager of the Belle Vue Aces in the British Elite League. On the eve of the 2017 QBE Insurance FIM Speedway Grand Prix held this Saturday (October 28) at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium, Lemon will be acting as Clerk of Course.
Lemon shared with Motorcycling Australia (MA); “It’s been a tiring year in 2017 with my duties in Europe and being manager for Team Australia and domestically with a Team Manager in the UK for Belle Vue Aces. I’ve developed a lot and its been a rewarding experience. I’m really looking forward to being the Clerk of Course and it will of course be a lot of responsibility to make sure it runs smoothly. It should be a great event with Etihad, MA and all the volunteers working together so hopefully it’s a great occasion.
“Doyle has worked so hard and he has raised the fitness game to the next level. The way Doyle trains is similar to Formula 1 drivers, in terms of their focus and dedication. The riders that don’t put in the effort, won’t get the results now.
“What’s remarkable about Doyle is his ability to come back from significant injuries. To perform at this level with a broken foot is quite remarkable. He has that will to win and for him to claim victory in Australia would be immense.
“My schedule is quite hectic after the Speedway GP concludes. On Sunday, I go to Broadford to cast an eye on the Under 21’s Victorian Championship and present the Trophy’s, then it’s off to Sidewinders for a practice day at the junior track in Adelaide and next its World Cup benefit meeting at Gillman, then finally I will have a skid again in Mildura with the 70th anniversary of the Junior Motorcycle Club.
“I can’t wait to have a break but I will have to return back to Europe for an AGM with British Speedway. It’s all systems go as we will be building teams for 2018. I should be able to see Mildura and Gillman for the Australian Championships.
“Make sure you head down to Etihad Stadium if you’re thinking about it. We have five Aussies and two reserves for the event. Come down and witness Doyle going for a historic championship in front of his home fans, you won’t regret it!” Lemon finished.
Purchase your 2017 QBE Insurance Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix here!
Can’t make it to the track? FOX SPORTS will deliver LIVE and EXCLUSIVE coverage of the final event of the year, with no ad-breaks during racing and in HD, on FOX SPORTS 506. Sat 28 Oct: LIVE at 7.00pm EDT on FOX SPORTS 506
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Photo – Mark Lemon and Team Australia