Patryk Dudek added as Wild Card entry to FIM Speedway GP of Poland

Round 8 of 2024 FIM Speedway GP – the ’24 DeWalt FIM Speedway GP of Poland – runs this Saturday, Aug. 31 at Wroclaw Olympic Stadium, and Dudek expects to be right in the midst of the action when the gate drops on the opening heats. We caught up with Dudek for a quick take on this weekend’s action – and his return to FIM Speedway GP.

Monster Energy: Patryk! Welcome back to FIM Speedway GP! Start us out with how pumped you are to be back on the qualifying grid for the DeWalt FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Wroclaw.

Patryk Dudek: I’m really happy and excited about it. I’m delighted that I’ll be representing Poland in Wroclaw SGP. Can’t wait for it! 

ME: As a former No. 2-ranked FIM Speedway GP racer, what happens to one’s confidence when he’s unable to qualify for the next year’s SGP lineup and how, personally, were you able to deal with that this season? 

PD: Last year was really rough for me. I had to deal with many problems during past season. It was a huge lesson for me and my team. I could only accept it and move forward. I’m grateful that this season is going well for me. 

ME: That said, you stepped up recently and put up some excellent numbers at the Polish Speedway Championship, placing 2nd to Maciej Janowski, and ahead of reigning and multi-time FIM Speedway GP champion Bartosz Zmarzlik. Talk about that weekend, how it boosted your confidence, and how you intend to carry that momentum into the Wroclaw event.

PD: The Polish Speedway Championship had three rounds and I’m glad that in each round I was on the podium. Actually, I was fighting to win the whole Championship. But being second in Poland also tastes good. I hope that I will give some great races in Wroclaw and I want to enjoy it as much as possible.

ME: Wroclaw will be your first FIM Speedway GP event of the 2024 competition season. Up to this point you’ve been racing the Speedway European Championship series. Do you feel that competition you’ve been facing this summer on that series has been enough to prepare you for FIM Speedway GP racing? 

PD: SGP is something different and there are a lot of great riders, but yes, I think that I’m ready for it. 

ME: Pretty cool to be selected as a Wild Card. So what were you thinking when the FIM contacted you? 

PD: I was really surprised… I didn’t expect to be selected. Actually, I was hoping that I will be selected for SGP in Torun (Poland, Round 11). 

ME: What bike(s) will you be running at Wroclaw and who’ll be working to tune them up for you?

PD: For sure I’ll pick my best bikes, and decision will be made after the practice session.

ME: Following Wroclaw you’ll be in the Czech Republic for the Pardubice FIM SGP Challenge (Oct. 4). At this event, the top four placers will receive an invitation for FIM Speedway GP for the 2025 season. Have you been looking ahead to that event as well as Wroclaw? 

PD: In Pardubice SGP challenge I’ll be fighting to get back to SGP for the next season. It’s really important for me.

ME: Parting thoughts to the Monster Army before we see you in the gate at Wroclaw? 

PD: I’m really excited to be in the Monster family. I always try to represent them as best as I can. And can’t wait for the Ring Riot in Wroclaw 

ME: Thanks again for the quick update, Patryk. Best of luck at Wroclaw.

PD: Thank you.

Monster Energy results, SGP of Great Britain

1st -  Bewley

3rd - Lindgren

7th - Holder

Overall Season Standings

3rd - Lindgren (90 points)

4th - Holder  (87 points)

7th - Bewley (73 points)

Up next…

Round 8 of 2024 FIM Speedway GP – the ’24 DeWalt FIM Speedway GP of Poland – takes place Aug. 31 at Wroclaw Olympic Stadium. For further information, including the season race schedule, racer bios and timely results, link to: www.fimspeedway.com