The 2018 Australian Speedway Solo champion has assembled a winning team in his quest for a grand prix spot including Polish basketball star Marcin Gortat who after recently retiring from the NBA in the US has formed a strong friendship with the Aussie.

It may be an unlikely pairing but the 210cm (six foot 11') Gortat has put his considerable profile behind the Polish-based 165cm (five foot five') Tungate

Tungate won the first round round of the qualification in Nagyhlasz and will join fellow Australians Chris Holder and Max Fricke in the final field of 16 lining up in GP Challenge in Slovakia on August 21.

The 31-year-old from Pelaw Main said he was stoked to win the qualifying round but in his typical humble style offered "massive thanks to the mechanics for the hard work".

Tungate said the past two years had been a huge challenge but to finally get so close to competing in the Grand Prix series was a dream.

"It's full on in the Challenge there are 16 riders and only the top three qualify. If you win five races you are in the Grand Prix which is pretty wild," he said from his base in Poland.

"It's a big challenge and it's something I've always wanted to do. I'll put all I have into it."

In the high adrenalin atmosphere of speedway where fractions of a second can mean the difference between success and failure, Gortat has become an invaluable support.

"I had Marcin Gortat in my pits he has just retired from NBA and knows all about pressure. He has been helping me a lot," Tungate said.

"He kept me pretty calm in the pits and the the two mechanics worked really well. It's so important to have a good team."

Gortat has been helping Tungate with sponsorship and other areas of support in Poland.

Tungate said he couldn't compete without a good team and sponsors.

"I've been really fortunate with my Australian sponsors Valley Kitchens and Ice Machines Australia sticking with me all the way," he said.

Tungate said his fortunes were mixed so far this season on the club level, with his Polish team Tarnow struggling to avoid relegation.

His Swedish team Lejonen has had a strong season and Tungate has also been riding with success in Denmark.

The best case scenario of all three Aussies qualifying will see 2012 World Champion Holder return to the series and 2020 wildcard holder Fricke, a three time World Under-21 Champion, find a permanent spot.

They will join Newcastle's Jason Doyle, the 2017 World Champion, in the elite series.