HOLDER’S MIND GAME

Aussie ace Jack Holder is determined to perfect his mental approach as he goes for Speedway GP glory in 2026.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a fine start to the year, having been crowned Australian Champion last month, winning all four rounds of the series to add to the national crown he claimed in 2023.

Holder finished fifth in the 2025 Speedway GP World Championship to comfortably book his place in this season’s series. He’s keen to improve on that in 2026.

He said: “You always want to do better. In the off-season, you always have a look to see what you did right and wrong and what you can improve. There are things I can improve on to make myself better.

“I just need to stay consistent all the way through the 10 rounds – that’s the biggest thing and it’s the hardest thing too. I am working on that, and I think I should be in a good spot when we come to the first round.”

Asked if there was any particular aspect of his game he has been working on, he replied: “Nothing really; it’s more mentally. I’m always in good shape. I train hard through the off-season, so that’s not an issue. I’ll just keep doing that and mainly focus on myself more – on what’s between those ears of mine! I just have to keep that up throughout the whole year.”

Holder’s victory in the Australian Championship comes with a spot in the SGP qualifiers, where he is joined by runner-up Jaimon Lidsey and FIM Oceania Championship winner Keynan Rew in representing Australia.

Holder is hopeful he will not need to fight his way through the FIM SGP Challenge to retain his spot in the series.

He said: “The biggest thing was to win that Aussie Championship, and I managed to do that. Of course I have now earned a spot in the GP qualifiers, so I’ll do it. I don’t plan on needing it, but it’s just a bit of a back-up. Anything can happen. It’s good to have that in my back pocket.”