SMEKTALA SIGNS VASTERVIK EXTENSION

Former World Under-21 champion Bartosz Smektala has extended his stay with Bauhaus Elitserien side Vastervik into a seventh straight season.

The Leszno-born racer helped the club reach this season’s play-off final, which saw them lose out to Dackarna. He joins Speedway GP star Robert Lambert, Denmark’s Mads Hansen and local favourite Anton Karlsson in a side Smektala hopes will go all the way next season.

He told the club’s website: “I am incredibly happy to be part of this team. I feel at home here and can hardly wait to get started next season. At the same time, I want to take the opportunity to thank all the supporters for the past season. Next year we will be there fighting for the gold.”

Vastervik boss Morgan Andersson has been delighted to watch Smektala’s progress since he joined the club in 2018.

He added: "It feels very good to agree with Bartosz as he has been with us all the way since 2018. He continues to develop in the right direction and by that I am primarily referring to certain away tracks where his points yield has got better and better each year. 

“At Hejla Arena, I see him as one of our most consistent riders during these years. Bartosz always comes well prepared, and I know he is very keen to take Västervik all the way to gold in 2024, and with that attitude you fit into our squad. The whole club has its sights set on the same goal.”

Elsewhere, Swedish club Piraterna has confirmed they will race on in the 2024 Bauhaus Elitserien after renewing their stadium lease.

There had been speculation over the club’s future at Dunteberget Motorstadion, but the Motala side has released the news that they will come to the tapes next season, forming an eight-team Bauhaus Elitserien following Vargarna’s return to the top flight.

In a brief statement on their official website, the club confirmed: “The lease agreement with Motala municipality is now ready! We look forward to seeing exciting speedway at elite level on Dunteberget! See you at Duntis in the 2024 season!”

Meanwhile, in Kumla, Swedish rider Johannes Stark has extended his stay with Indianerna into 2024.