ZMARZLIK SWAPS FIM SPEEDWAY MACHINE FOR EWC BIKE IN POZNAN

Triple Speedway GP world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik admits it was a dream to take to the tarmac on a different kind of bike when he rode a Yamaha for leading FIM Endurance World Championship squad Wójcik Racing Team.

The 28-year-old joined the EWC podium-placing Polish outfit at the Tor Poznań circuit during Speed Day, a track day event Wójcik Racing Team has been using as part of its preparations for next week’s 24H SPA EWC Motos, round two of the 2023 EWC season on June 17 and 18.

Zmarzlik completed four 20-minute sessions onboard the team’s Yamaha YZF-R3, a training bike used by Wójcik junior rider Mateusz Molik, a 16-year-old who won the opening European Supersport 300 Alpe Adria event at the Slovakia Ring two weeks ago. 

The Speedway GP World Championship leader was given some top tips by FIM EWC racer and reigning Polish Superbike champion Marek Szkopek, with whom he famously swapped bikes for a day back in 2019. Zmarzlik was delighted to get back on an endurance bike once again – even if doesn’t normally race a machine that has brakes. 

The 19-time Speedway GP winner said: “It was great to meet my friends from the Wójcik Racing Team again and do some laps on a circuit that’s quite different to the ones I’m used to, and all under watchful eyes of the FIM EWC riders. 

“I’m really happy to make this dream come true for the second time in my life. A racing bike is completely different to my speedway bike, with different speeds, grip levels and riding styles, but it’s such great fun. 

“Massive thanks to Sławek and the entire team for making this happen. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for them during the upcoming FIM Endurance World Championship race in Spa.”

Sławomir Kubzdyl, Team Manager of Wójcik Racing Team, said: “We are very happy that Bartek joined us at the track again. We share the passion for motorcycles and have been good friends for many years. Even if the aim of this track day was just for Bartek to have some fun, his professional approach was very motivating and inspiring for our entire team to see. 

“He also impressed us with his pace, confidence and body position. In some corners he was even braking later than Marek! Our garage doors are always open for him, so I hope we’ll be able to ride together again soon.”

For more information about the FIM Endurance World Championship, also promoted by FIM Speedway global promoter Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, click HERE.