SWEDISH SWITCH FOR SMOLINSKI

German racer Martin Smolinski is on the move in Sweden after signing for Bauhaus Elitserien side Vetlanda.

The former FIM Speedway Grand Prix star makes the move from Masarna after spending the 2021 season in Avesta.

Smolinski joins the likes of SGP newcomer Pawel Przedpelski, Tomasz Gapinski, Sergey Logachev and Filip Hjelmland at Vetlanda – a club which has seen double world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik and his compatriot Dominik Kubera depart this winter.

Bavarian ace Smolinski is looking forward to his new challenge. Posting on his official Facebook page, he wrote: “I had a very difficult decision for a very long time, because I had a very nice time in Masarna, but the move to Vetlanda was equally attractive and so I decided to change.

“I want to say thanks very much to the club and also the fans in Masarna and I would like to come to Masarna again and again.

“But for me, the new task in Vetlanda presents a new challenge and I am looking forward to the new season.”

Smolinski will also compete in the Polish First Division for German club Landshut. The Bavarian team defied heavy Covid-19 restrictions, starting their 2021 season behind closed doors, to pull off an astonishing Second Division play-off win in their debut season in the Polish leagues.

Landshut skipper Smolinski will team up with the likes of fellow German internationals Kai Huckenbeck and Erik Riss in 2022, with under-24 rider Mads Hansen an exciting edition to the side after winning FIM Speedway of Nations bronze with Denmark.