Max Fricke

Max Fricke inked his name in Australian racing history when he helped his country to 2022 FIM Speedway of Nations gold; their first world team title since 2002. That wasn't his only golden moment of 2022 as he also topped the podium at the Orlen FIM Speedway GP of Poland - Warsaw in front of over 50,000 fans at PGE Narodowy. The 2016 FIM Speedway Under-21 world champion made his Speedway GP debut in 2020. The season was a baptism of fire, but Fricke still fought his way to a solid 10th place, claiming his first-ever win at FIM Torun Speedway GP round seven. Fricke built on that by finishing eighth in 2021 – making him the highest-placed Australian rider. He also took second spot at the 2021 FIM GP Challenge in Zarnovica to secure qualification for 2022. The two-time, reigning Australian champion finished 13th in the 2022 series, missing the final round in Torun due to injury. But he enjoyed a better year in 2023, taking ninth spot and reaching six semi-finals in 10 rounds.