FRICKE RESTS AFTER AUSSIE INJURY

Leicester boss Stewart Dickson says Speedway GP star Max Fricke should be fit for the European season after confirming he suffered muscle damage during the Australian Championship round at Mildura last Sunday.

Fricke crashed in heat one of his local round and, despite taking to the shale for his second ride and finishing third, he withdrew from the remainder of the series, which was won by SGP rival Brady Kurtz.

The injury left Fricke unable to add to his three national titles or chase the two spots on offer for the Speedway GP qualification rounds, which were secured by Kurtz and runner-up Jack Holder.

But Dickson played down injuries to Fricke and also his Leicester teammate Ryan Douglas, who was ruled out of the Australian Championship after suffering ankle ligament damage in a motocross crash.

Dickson said: “I keep in touch with all my riders over the winter just to make sure they’re okay, and both lads will be fine for the start of the season. 

“Max hurt some muscles around his knee when he crashed, but it just needs a few weeks of rest and then he’ll be ready to go.

“Dougy was actually back on a bike on Wednesday having a practice skid, and there were no ill effects, so he’s now fit to ride and he’s feeling fine and looking forward to the season.”

Douglas will be determined to return to action in time for his British testimonial meeting at Leicester on March 22.