New South Welshman Jack Holder has taken out the inaugural FIM Oceania Speedway Championship at Gillman in South Australia.
Jack Holder dominated the seven-race event, only dropping one point finishing ahead of under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey, British rider Dan Bewley and Australian junior international Jordan Stewart.
Holder was ecstatic finishing on the top step and believes the new event formula has the support of riders.
“The format and event was great, and similar to events in Europe,” he said.
“Hopefully it (FIM Oceania Speedway Championship) will help us push to gain GP qualifiers.”
Holder said he believed European riders currently going through their winter break could see the FIM Oceania Speedway Championship as an opportunity to race.
“It’s cold over there at the moment with no racing so they may want to come and enjoy the Australian summer and sunshine but to also remain competitive before returning to the European season.”
FIM Oceania Vice President, Peter Doyle, said the FIM Oceania Speedway Championship showcased the international talent that Australia produces each year.
“We have a wealth of speedway talent and this inaugural FIM Oceania Speedway Championship will hopefully open up other avenues for upcoming Australian speedway stars to make their mark on the international stage,” Mr Doyle said.
“With the establishment of this championship we are continuing to support the growth of speedway here in Australia and promoting our international riders.”
PLACE | RIDER NAME | COUNTRY | POINTS |
1 | Jack Holder | AUS | 20 |
2 | Jaimon Lidsey | AUS | 16 |
3 | Dan Bewley | UK | 16 |
4 | Jordan Stewart | AUS | 14 |
5 | Justin Sedgmen | AUS | 12 |
6 | Charles Wright | UK | 11 |
7 | Ben Cook | AUS | 9 |
8 | Robert Medson | AUS | 8 |
9 | Zane Keleher | AUS | 7 |
10 | Szmon Szlauderbach | POL | 6 |
11 | Ben Ernst | GER | 5 |
12 | Tom Brennan | UK | 5 |
13 | Kyle Bickley | UK | 3 |
14 | Dakota Ballantyne | AUS | 2 |
15 | Emil Grondal | DEN | 2 |
16 | Brayden McGuinness | AUS | 1 |
17 | Fraser Bowes | AUS | 1 |
18 | Liam May | AUS | 0 |