JACK HOLDER: THE FAMILY BUSINESS

Aussie racer Jack Holder joined older brother Chris in becoming an FIM Speedway world champion last Saturday, but insisted “I definitely want the one that he has got.”

Jack stormed to FIM Speedway of Nations gold with Australia in Vojens – claiming the country’s first world team title since they won the FIM Speedway World Cup at Peterborough 20 years ago.

His triumph comes a decade after Chris famously roared to 2012 individual Speedway GP world championship gold in Torun.

For now it’s Jack representing the Holder family on the biggest stage as he bids to improve on 14^th place in the Speedway GP standings.

The 26-year-old was delighted to join Max Fricke and Jason Doyle in ending the country’s wait for a world team title last weekend. But ahead of the FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff on August 13, Jack would love to emulate Chris and add Speedway GP gold to his FIM SON success.

He said: “Chris’ World Championship is a little bit different. He did it all on his own. We were lucky enough to be there in his corner – the whole family – to watch him do it that night. It was an amazing feeling. I can’t imagine how he felt. Ours was a little bit different. It was a team effort, but I definitely want the one that he has got.

“I have been going alright in the GP. It is super tough. You can’t have any last places. I have been knocking at the semi-finals for the whole series. I have managed to get one, but I have always been one point or a countback off.

“It’s so cutthroat. But for my first season, I am doing pretty well. When I look back and look at Woffy’s first season or Laguta’s, they really struggled. I am holding my ground. We are at the halfway stage now, so it’s time to kick on and get up there.”

Holder made his first FIM SON appearance last week, forcing his way into Australia’s starting pair alongside Fricke, despite being named at No.3 by team manager Mark Lemon.

After being overlooked for the side in 2021, Holder was determined to make his mark. Asked if he felt he had a point to prove, the Sheffield and Torun star admitted: “A little bit – it was probably more in the Semi-Final. Lemo decided to stick me out in the first race and I was thinking ‘come on – now is your time to shine and prove why you should be in this.’

“We chopped and changed on Wednesday. But from heat one on Saturday, he decided to pick me and Max. We did a good job together and Doyley too. The whole thing has been awesome.

“Winning it is still so surreal. It has been a long time coming, especially for Australia. It was my first SON and it felt amazing.

“All my team worked hard. Everyone was helping – Doyley and his boys were helping out. It was a team effort and that’s what it’s all about. Me and Max rode well together as a team. We were looking for each other and we got the job done.”

Holder now can’t wait to test himself at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium – a venue where Chris claimed his first Speedway GP victory in 2010, before winning again in 2012 on his way to World Championship glory in Torun.

“For sure, it’s one off the bucket list,” Jack said. “I just have to calm the nerves down and enjoy it. Not everyone gets the chance to do it. I want to enjoy it. I will be trying my hardest – as I always do – and we will see what happens.”

Celebrate 20 years of Speedway GP in Cardiff on Saturday, August 13 with all tickets including entry to Sunday’s FIM SGP2 of Great Britain, featuring the sport’s under-21 stars. Secure your seats at Principality Stadium online here now: https://bit.ly/3ixX9wQ