HOLDER READY FOR ZMARZLIK REUNION AT LUBLIN

Aussie champion Jack Holder hopes reuniting with former Gorzow teammate Bartosz Zmarzlik at Lublin can bring out his best form in 2023.

The Speedway GP rivals joined forces in Poland’s PGE Ekstraliga in 2020, when Holder – then racing for Torun in the First Division – was called up by top-flight Gorzow, who were allowed to draft in a guest rider due to the risk of absences posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was an unforgettable season for Holder, who topped the First Division averages and led Torun to PGE Ekstraliga promotion. He also played a pivotal role in Gorzow reaching the PGE Ekstraliga play-off final, where they finished second to Leszno.

Holder made rapid progress alongside Zmarzlik, and the pair link up at reigning PGE Ekstraliga champions Lublin after the Pole completed a blockbuster move from Gorzow, while Holder makes the switch from Torun.

Having starred alongside the triple world champion three years ago, Holder looks forward to rekindling his double act with Zmarzlik.

He said: “It’s always good to have the world champion of the moment at your club. It’s always good to be in the same team, watch what he does, take notes and copy what he does.

“You always get a bit of a buzz. If you race against him and beat him, you know you are doing something right.

“He’s a cool guy. We get along quite well. He’s a very nice guy. I really look forward to the new experience for this year and we will see how it goes.”

Holder has spent virtually his entire Polish career at Torun. He hopes a switch to Lublin will help him reach the next level as he enters his second full-time Speedway GP season.

He said: “Sometimes you get that feeling it’s time for a change. I had been with Torun ever since I went to Poland. The club was amazing and opened up a lot of doors for me.

“Sometimes you feel like you need a change to ignite your career a little bit. You can’t always stay at one club for long.

“I am really excited to be at Lublin. They have a good team and a good fanbase. I am really happy to be a part of the new team. We have Zmarzlik and Freddie Lindgren too. It should be a fun season.”

Holder knows big things will be expected as the Speedway GP trio lead Lublin’s title defence.

He said: “They are the reigning champs so there are a lot of expectations on them. They have signed Bartek. He left Gorzow after spending so long there. That’s a massive thing for him.

“We have a few new faces at Lublin in Bartek, Freddie and me. I haven’t yet won a gold medal in Poland. I haven’t yet won a gold medal in any of the leagues. Hopefully this is the year.”