The SEC starts on 12 June in Bydgoszcz, but at the same time two important qualifying events are taking place in Güstrow (Germany) and Daugavpils (Latvia). The winners will go forward to the FIM Speedway U21 World Championships. But they will have a long wait – the first event in Stralsund, will take place on 4 September.
We take a look at some of the riders who are going to represent their country in these qualifying events.
“The best feeling in the world,” that’s how Phillip Hellström-Bängs describes winning the Bauhaus Ligan in 2020. He has grown up in Avesta (Sweden) and therefore it is no surprise that the victory for Masarna means a lot to the 18-year-old.
“It was an incredible experience…amazing! We came in as underdogs and then won!” he says.
The Swedish rider got his love for motorsports from his dad, and says he started riding a cross-bike when he was only three, “Then when I was five, I tried out speedway for the first time. I loved it! I love the speed and it works well with my ADHD,” he says.
2021 promises to be an exciting year for the young rider. Apart from defending the Bauhaus-Ligan title, he has also taken his first steps abroad racing with Varde Elite Motorsport in Denmark and Start Gniezno in eWinner1. Liga in Poland.
“This time, I want to win the U21 Swedish Championship and race as much as possible in Poland’.
He is referring to the Swedish U21 Championship in Målilla in 2020, where he came second behind, Alexander Woentin. Woentin has won that event three years in a row and will also compete in the U21 World Championship qualifiers on 12 June.
Whereas Woentin has been able to race with Unia Tarnow in eWinner 1. Liga since the beginning of the season, Hellström-Bängs has just had his first ever taste of the league with Start Gniezno.
One of the polish sport’s portals noticed the young Swede’s debut commenting, “that he did really well,” and he is one to look out for. He had two heats, including one win, “I can race any track, I just want to get better at my starts,” he says on his performance. “I’m also pleased with my results in Denmark,” he added.
He has raced two matches in Metal Speedway League and gained a 6.00 match average. That places him higher than for example, Marcus Birkemose.
The Swede will be racing at Daugavpils on 12 June, “I’ve not been there before and it will be tough. But I’ve got just one goal – to qualify.”
