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Speedway fans braved Melbourne’s rainy weather as they watched their stars of shale in the official 2016 Speedway Grand Prix on Friday afternoon.
Fans were treated to the fast-paced action that saw local hero and 2012 World Champion Chris Holder, wildcard Brady Kurtz, and the rest of the SGP field dial in setups on a fast Etihad Stadium circuit.
Jason Doyle, who was injured while leading the series three weeks ago, can’t race this weekend, however he still has a mathematical chance of winning a medal.
New South Welshman Chris Holder has everything to race for tomorrow evening. A successful points haul could catapult him onto the podium as he currently stands in fifth position, six-points behind Perth born Tai Woffinden who occupies third.
“It’s always great to come back here, I didn’t have a good night last time so if I can be anywhere near the final this time that’d be great, said Holder.”
Trying to climb back to the form that saw him win a 2012 World Championship has been a tough affair for Holder. Injuries in 2013 curtailed his seasons, and then the devastating spinal injury to close friend Darcy Ward last season definitely halted the popular Aussie.
“The seasons been decent, I’ve had some good rounds and not so good rounds, but overall it’s been an improvement on the last few year’s so we’ll see what happens.
“Obviously last year was a difficult year with a lot of stuff going on. If I can finish off on good points, I can seal a medal so it’s all to play for.”
“It means everything to come here, we’re always racing in Europe and though you get a little support it’s nothing like what you get when you’re in your own country.”
Though Holder has dealt with injuries, he’s never had to deal with it while leading a World Championship. Speaking about his fellow countryman Doyle, Holder said:
“It’s tough on him, you couldn’t imagine, he’d be devastated. To have such an unbelievable year with so many grand prix wins he was really riding that wave. However it’s one of those things it could happen to anyone of us, it’s just racing and I’m sure he’ll be back bigger and better next year.” Said Holder.
Tai Woffinden will have an intriguing Saturday night ahead. The reigning Championship winner is only eight-points behind Jason Doyle who won’t ride, and six clear of fifth-placed Holder.
“I can come away with a silver, however I can also come away with nothing. That’s the joys of top-flight speedway, anything can happen. I feel good and fit and I’ve just got to get the thing out of the start and get going,” said Woffinden.
Coming off last year’s 21 point maximum, American Greg Hancock has one hand on the trophy with a handy 19-point buffer to his nearest rival Woffinden. He can seal a fourth title with a win in his opening ride. He will feel confident after winning last year in Melbourne.
“Feeling great coming back down here again. Last year was phenomenal. Being back in this stadium and this country where speedway originated feels incredible,” said Hancock.
“Of course, the situation with Jason (Doyle) was a real hindrance to the whole series, we hope that he’s going to get back to full strength in the near future.
Unfortunately as everybody knows injuries are the name of the game sometimes and right now I know that World Championships are what it’s all about, so I’ll just keep my eyes on the prize,” said Hancock.
Brady Kurtz has known he was riding in this event since January after winning his maiden Australian Championship, and earning the coveted wildcard position allocated to the winner of the title.
“I haven’t ridden in anything this big before, to be in the stadium now after thinking about it for so long, it’s starting to sink in that I’m actually here.
“Obviously there is nothing like riding in your home country and this is such a cool stadium and I just can’t wait for tomorrow night.” Said Kurtz
After the maiden event in 2015, riders spoke glowingly of the circuit calling it one of the best temporary tracks the series has ever had. And with so much on the line all eyes will be on Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
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