Chris Holder First Oz Title Entry

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PERTH – August 7, 2007: Sydney-sider Chris Holder is the first rider to confirm his participation in 2008's Linddales Labour Hire Australian Speedway Championships, joining forces with Lee Redmond’s LJ Express Transport squad from Perth.

 

At just 19 years of age, Holder is one of the brightest stars on the international Speedway scene, having played a key role in Australia’s recent Speedway World Cup campaign, being Australia’s fourth highest scoring rider behind World Champion Jason Crump, Leigh Adams and former Grand Prix star, Ryan Sullivan.

 

After a seventh placed finish in this year’s Linddales Championships, Holder’s stellar 2007 season sees him sitting second in Premier League averages, he took out the Premier League Pairs Championship for his Isle of Wight team, defended his Welsh Open crown and missed out by one point on going through to the Speedway Grand Prix World Championship qualification final. He has also been scoring solidly for Atlas Wroclaw alongside World Champion Crump in the Polish Extraleague – that country’s biggest sporting competition.

 

The major 2007 test for the unassuming youngster is yet to come though. After qualifying as the top point scorer from his Semi-Final, Chris has the World Under-21 Championship Final ahead of him, to be conducted in Poland on September 9. If he wins that, he will emulate Crump and Adams – both of whom have been crowned World Under-21 Champions.

 

Only then can he think of Australian Title glory.

 

“To have a deal signed with the LJ Express team so far out from the Australian season is fantastic,” said Holder. “They have a very cool setup and to be part of a professional outfit that seriously rivals many of the Speedway Grand Prix teams will be a big change for me.

 

“Traditionally, my parents, brother and I have done everything, so to concentrate purely on racing without the concern of preparing bikes and the logistics of getting to and from each round will obviously benefit me and I think you’ll see that reflected in my results.”

 

It was clear to Redmond from all the riders who competed in last year’s Championship who he wanted on board for 2008. With Holder’s outstanding European season, Redmond – a former international rider himself – is feeling very confident – despite the Championship not starting until December 29 in Mildura.

 

“Chris has all the attributes to be Australia’s next Jason Crump,” Redmond said. “This year’s Championship proved for me that Chris has what it takes. He had a big accident at the third round and then put himself on the podium at the final two rounds. That shows to me he has the commitment and drive to succeed. He never gives up, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a team rider.”

 

The LJ Express Transport team set new standards for professionalism last season, when they serviced three team members and carried six motorcycles from their Perth base for the full Championship. They netted a third for Steven Johnston, a fifth for Englishman, Simon Stead and 15th for development rider, Trevor Harding Jnr.

 

Redmond aims to build on that success with Holder.

 

“It’s no secret that Leigh (Adams) and Jason (Crump) are getting older,” he added. “A few of the young guys are starting to knock on the door and to be honest, the one that’s knocking loudest at the moment is Chris.”

 

The LJ Express Transport team is currently finalising its sponsorship portfolio for season 2008 and will announce its second rider shortly.

 

The 2008 Linddales Labour Hire Australian Motorcycle Speedway Championship Series will begin on December 29 at Mildura’s Olympic Park Speedway, before reaching a spectacular climax at the Sydney Showground, Homebush Bay on Friday, January 11.

[jawakid]

I heard a rumor that a certain world champion wont be attending.

 

Is that true?

[MattyHart]

Nicki Pedersen

[Bavarian]

Is there any chance that Sullivan may ride this time?

[sEdgY2]

POST EDITED - Please dont use text speak

 

um i dunno if the 2007 world champion Leigh Adams will be riding haha no i have heard rumours that a high profile dane will be riding!

 

I heard a rumor that a certain world champion wont be attending.

 

Is that true?

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[BigFatDave]

I heard a rumor that a certain world champion wont be attending.

 

Is that true?

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A certain World Champ is attributing his current sus form in SGP's to coming out here last Northern Winter: WDF! We had great racing and all his Aussie fans got to see him and Leigh together in several ripper races. While it did make for a long year it was obviously something he wanted to do and maybe felt he owed his fans - certainly he was always available for press, radio & TV plus advice for and photos with the Juniors as and when required and his presence assured bumper crowds for all meetings.

I can understand if he doesn't want to repeat the trek - equally I can understand riders like Bomber Harris, Hans Anderson, Andreas Johnnson and maybe even Nicki P. looking at venturing Down Under this year as a working holiday!

Edited August 9, 2007 by BigFatDave

[jawakid]

equally I can understand riders like Bomber Harris, Hans Anderson, Andreas Johnnson and maybe even Nicki P. looking at venturing Down Under this year as a working holiday!

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That would be awesome to get a decent group of Euro and UK riders down. Would certainly make a very educational and competitive season for some of the young Aussie riders looking to cut their teeth amongst some of the worlds best.