SYDNEY – OCTOBER 16, 2007: Czech Republic rider – Fillip Sitera – becomes the second International entrant to accept an invitation into this summer’s Linddales Labour Hire Australian Speedway Championships.
The 19-year-old sensation has ridden in Australia in the past, principally as part of the troupe brought to these shores annually by multiple World Champion – Ivan Mauger. He has obtained some success here – particularly at Gillman Speedway – which will host round two of the Championship on January 2.
In the highly competitive Czech ranks, Sitera has been a two time winner of both the national Under 19 and Under 21
Championships, successfully defending both Titles in 2007. The other major victories he has taken during 2007 include being a member of the Czech Republic League Champions – PK Plzen – and most recently, the International Golden Band – where he defeated SGP star, Hans Andersen. |  |
In Poland, Sitera rides for the Atlas Wroclaw team alongside Australians – outgoing World Champion, Jason Crump – and one of the key Aussie Title aspirants in Chris Holder. Atlas finished third in the Polish Extraleague in 2007.
Accompanying Sitera for the Linddales Championships in a role as team manager and mechanic will be the highly respected Czech veteran – Vaclav Verner – who has ridden in Australia many times throughout his career and is well known by the Australian speedway public.
“I am very much looking forward to returning to Australia,” Sitera said. “In the past, I have enjoyed my trips to that country and the Linddales Championships is a perfect opportunity for me to return.”
Sitera rates the Australian competition highly.
“I get to see many of the riders I will be competing against race on a regular basis,” he added. “To race on the Australian tracks against them will be an interesting test, I have raced on many Australian tracks, but not many of the ones on the Linddales Championships. Having someone of Vaclav’s experience with me in Australia is going to help immensely. He’s been there many times and ridden just about all of those tracks, so instantly I have an advantage that I otherwise wouldn’t have.”
Organisers are hopeful of making one more International rider announcement before confirming the remainder of the Australian riders that will line up in the Title.
The Linddales Labour Hire Australian Championships visit three states of Australia across five rounds in a 15 day period. The full Championship Calendar is as follows:
Round 1: Olympic Park, Mildura, Vic December 29
Round 2: Gillman Speedway, Adelaide, SA January 2
Round 3: Borderline Speedway, Mt Gambier, SA January 5
Round 4: Newcastle Showground, Broadmeadow, NSW January 9
Round 5: Sydney Showground, Homebush Bay, NSW January 11
