FIM SPEEDWAY: AUSTRALIA’S SUPER SCHLEIN TAKES BST FIM SGP4 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE DOWN UNDER

Australian talent Blake Schlein held his nerve in a tense run-off to top the podium in the 2026 BST FIM SGP4 World Championship for the sport’s 190cc shooting stars aged 11-13.
Launched in 2023 and gaining full world-championship status for 2025, the SGP4 category is raced on the 190cc bikes designed by Sweden’s six-time FIM Speedway world champion Tony Rickardsson.
After taking place at Danish venue Vojens last year, the competition returned to Malilla’s Skrotfrag Arena, with riders from 10 different nations and nearly 1,200 fans packing the home straight – an unprecedented crowd for an entry-level speedway event.
They were treated to a dramatic event as Schlein and Danish racer Simon Jul Vindum topped the score chart after 20 heats on 14 points apiece. Vindum won their head-to-head clash with Schlein second in heat 19, setting up a run-off between the pair for the gold medal.
Despite Vindum hitting the front, he slipped off and suffered a disqualification, allowing Schlein to snatch victory and take the bumps from his elated team.
Nephew of former Australian international and British champion Rory Schlein, Blake Schlein was elated to become a world champion. He said: “I’m feeling amazing. It’s pretty good to be a world champion.”
There were some tense moments as he prepared for his run-off with Vindum, but the youngster who trains in Mildura, Victoria, held his nerve. He said: “I did some heavy breathing and just relaxed and sat in the shade until it was time for the run-off.”

Denmark’s Simon Jul Vindum. PHOTO: Taylor Lanning

While he’s delighted with the silver medal, Vindum was disappointed that the run-off didn’t go his way. The Herning-trained star said: “I am feeling great, but a bit gutted with the run-off. I don’t know what happened – the back wheel just went straight out, and I crashed. I hope I will be back for SGP4 next year.”

Aussie bronze medallist Ryleigh McGregor. PHOTO: Taylor Lanning

was also a run-off for the bronze medal as Australia’s Ryleigh McGregor and Swedish favourite Theo Trofast tied on 10 points.
Despite thumping into the safety fence as he entered his second lap, McGregor did incredibly well to keep his SGP4 machine under control and held the lead to join compatriot Schlein on the podium. McGregor, who trains at Sidewinders and Gillman near Adelaide in South Australia, said: “I feel so lucky that I could hold on to the bike after hitting that wall. Getting the bronze medal feels amazing. I thought Theo was going to get me and I had messed up really badly.”
A packed weekend of racing at the Skrotfrag Arena concludes with the 2026 BST FIM Speedway GP of Sweden – Malilla at 19:00 CEST.

Blake Schlein gets the bumps. PHOTO: Taylor Lanning