Five Hunter region riders have returned from British and European speedway commitments to contest the 2021 NSW Speedway Solo Championship at Kurri Kurri Speedway on Sunday, January 2.
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Former NSW State and Australian Champions Sam Masters and Rohan Tungate will be joined by Josh Pickering, Jye Etheridge and Josh Macdonald in the field of sixteen riders to contest the time honoured event.
Rohan Tungate is a two-time winner of the title with victories in 2016 and 2017. He has had a busy 2021 international season focusing on competition in European Leagues and individual events. The 31 year old from Pelaw Main has a great record on the Kurri Kurri track and will have plenty of local support.
Sam Masters from North Lambton won the NSW State Title in 2012 and is coming off a very successful season in both British Speedway Leagues with Wolverhampton and Edinburgh. He has been signed up again with Wolverhampton Wolves for 2022.
Josh Pickering was a team mate with Masters in the Edinburgh Monarchs 2021 team and has signed on with King's Lynn for the 2022 season. The 25 year older from Heddon Greta has come close to winning marquee events back in Australia and he has eyes on a State title win.
Jye Etheridge from Buttai and Josh Macdonald from Cessnock both rode in the British Speedway League this year and their experience will put them in good stead on Sunday night.
Defending NSW State Champion Jack Holder is back for another assault on the title attempting to make it three in a row. The Appin rider won the title in 2018 and 2019 and the Championship was not contested in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Cowra rider Matthew Gilmore looms large as a serious contender. He has won both the events held at Kurri Kurri Speedway this month, the latest being his victory in the NSW Under 21 Speedway Solo Championship last night (29 December 2021). The former World Junior Speedway Champion is in great form.
Two Championship qualifying heats and a qualifying final will get under way at 5pm with official practice at 6:30pm followed by Championship racing.