Fricke sends strong message

MANSFIELD'S 2016 World U21 and 2022 Speedway of Nations World Champion, Max Fricke, has made a strong return to the 2024 Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) series and the international stage this month. Fricke had a semi final appearance in round four in Prague three weeks ago, and achieved a second place in round five held in Malilla, Sweden, the following weekend. After storming through the heats during round five on the Saturday, Fricke was unable to block the inside and outside runs of Poland’s current World Champion, Bartoz Smarzlick, who secured his first GP win of the year in incredible style. With these results in his return to the SGP series, Fricke has sent a very strong message to selectors and promoters of the event (Discovery) who overlooked him for a wildcard entry to this year’s series. Although finishing in ninth place in 2023 and competing in the final round with a broken wrist, two Australians (Jack Holder and Jason Doyle) were promoted to the 2024 lineup due to top six automatic qualification, Fricke was overlooked in favour of a lower placed Latvian chosen with the objective of expanding the nationality representation in the lineup. Fricke was disappointed to be cut; however, in recognition of his performance, he was made the first reserve. Following the recent season ending injury of fellow Australian, Jason Doyle, Fricke is now in for the remaining six rounds of the season that concludes in September when the 2024 World Champion will be crowned. Competing in league racing each week in Poland, Sweden and the UK, Fricke is currently in a fine vein of form and is sitting fifth in averages in the Polish Extraliga (the toughest speedway league in the world). He has been able to carry this form over to his SGP racing where he is up against the top 16 riders in the world. “It’s really tough racing at this level with every race being difficult," said Fricke. “I’m really happy with how my first two round have gone obviously." "Making the semi final in Prague was good for my confidence and I hope to replicate and build on these results in the remaining six rounds, he said. “Missing out on the first three rounds has put me behind the eight ball but my goal will be for a top six position by the end of the season so that I secure automatic selection for next year’s series. "That is going to be difficult but anything can happen in speedway so that’s the objective. "I’ll just take things round by round and re-evaluate after the next few to see if it’s achievable." After competing in two of the five rounds contested so far, Fricke sits in 14th place (just two points behind 13th) so is making an impact on the leader board. He has also qualified for the 2025 SGP Challenge in July where top three placeholders progress to the 2025 series providing him with another opportunity to get back where he should be, contesting the World Championships.

Fricke sends strong message

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