The starting line-ups for an epic eight-team FIM Speedway of Nations – SON2 event in Torun on Friday, October 3 have been revealed.
The sport’s top under-21 teams compete for the FIM Team Speedway Under-21 World Championship, with the highest scoring side over a rollercoaster 28 heats of high drama set to be crowned SON2 champion for 2025.
Hosts Poland are chasing an incredible 18th gold medal at under-21 level and their 12th on the bounce. But they face stiff competition from Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Latvia and Sweden.
Every team manager must select two starters at No.1 and No.2, with a substitute rider at No.3, who can be called into action at any time.
Poland’s challenge is led by 2024 FIM Speedway Under-21 world champion Wiktor Przyjemski, who is chasing his fourth SON2 gold medal in as many years. He teams up with 2023 SGP2 runner-up Damian Ratajczak, with Torun’s own Antoni Kawczynski named as their No.3 on his home track.
Danish Under-21 boss and former Speedway GP winner Hans Andersen brings a powerful side to Torun, featuring SGP2 bronze medallist Mikkel Andersen, who is partnered by in-form Torun rider Bastian Pedersen – nephew of triple Speedway GP world champion Nicki Pedersen. Villads Nagel lines up at No.3.
Last season’s SON2 silver medallists Sweden tracks Casper Henriksson in what will be his final FIM event as an under-21 rider after four straight seasons in SGP2. He teams up with 2023 SGP3 champion Rasmus Karlsson – a 17-year-old sensation bidding to reach SGP2 in 2026. Erik Persson completes the team at No.3.
Great Britain’s team is spearheaded by 2025 SGP2 rider Dan Thompson, who also races his final under-21 event. After taking fourth place in the Deluxe Homeart FIM SGP2 of Denmark – Vojens on September 12, he bids to go out on a high when he partners Scunthorpe rider Luke Harrison. They are joined by No.3 Luke Killeen, who races for the Oxford Spires and Cheetahs teams in the UK.
Germany will be led by SGP2 rider Norick Blodorn, who lines up in his last SON2 event. The charismatic German senior champion teams up with Jonny Wynant, and No.3 Mario Hausl – winner of the prestigious Golden Ribbon under-21 event at Czech club Pardubice last Saturday.
Australia team manager Mark Lemon tracks SGP2 rider Mitchell McDiarmid alongside Tate Zischke, who returns to the side after missing the 2024 SON2 competition due to injury. James Pearson, who partnered Keynan Rew to the 2024 bronze medal, is named at No.3.
Czech charger Adam Bubba Bednar. PHOTO: Jarek Pabijan
Czech Republic, runners-up at the 2022 SON2 event in Vojens, Denmark, head into this year’s tournament led by rapidly rising star Adam Bubba Bednar, who finished fourth in this season’s FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship – winning the DeWalt FIM SGP2 of Latvia – Riga along the way. He teams up with Jan Jenicek and No.3 Jaroslav Vanicek.
Latvia completes the SON2 line-up, led by DeWalt FIM SGP2 of Latvia – Riga wild card Nikita Kaulins. He pairs up with Artjoms Juhno, while Damirs Filimonovs takes the No.3 position.
SON2 is the third night of FIM Speedway of Nations week in Torun, which gets underway with FIM SON Semi-Finals 1 and 2 on Tuesday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 1, with the top three countries in each Semi-Final joining hosts Poland in the Final on Saturday, October 4.
Tickets for the ultimate test of team riding in Torun are available online. Secure your spot at the Marian Rose Motoarena HERE now.
2025 FIM SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS – SON2 STARTING LINE-UPS:
Team Poland (Team A) will feature Wiktor Przyjemski (captain), Damian Ratajczak, and Antoni Kawczynski, with Rafal Dobrucki as Team Manager.
Team Great Britain (Team B) is comprised of Dan Thompson (captain), Luke Harrison, and Luke Killeen, managed by Neil Vatcher.
For Australia (Team C), the lineup includes Mitchell McDiarmid, Tate Zischke, and James Pearson (captain). The Team Manager is Mark Lemon.
The German team (Team D) consists of Norick Blodorn (captain), Jonny Wynant, and Mario Hausl, with Team Managers Sascha Dorner and Mathias Bartz.
Denmark's team (Team E) is made up of Bastian Pedersen (captain), Mikkel Andersen, and Villads Nagel, led by Team Manager Hans Andersen.
The Czech Republic (Team F) will be represented by Adam Bubba Bednar (captain), Jan Jenicek, and Jaroslav Vanicek, with Zdenek Schneiderwind as Team Manager.
Sweden's team (Team G) includes Casper Henriksson (captain), Rasmus Karlsson, and Erik Persson. The Team Manager is Linus Sundstrom.
Latvia (Team H) will field Nikita Kaulins (captain), Artjoms Juhno, and Damirs Filimonovs, with Vladimirs Vagels as the Team Manager.