LIDSEY'S SON THRILL IN RUSSIA

Aussie shooting star Jaimon Lidsey says the roar of the Russian crowd “put shivers down my spine” when he won Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations bronze in 2019.

The 21-year-old hopes to return to the Australian side as their junior rider this summer for what will be his final season as an under-21.

He will have the added bonus of potentially racing the Final on his SGB Premiership home track in Manchester on May 8 and 9, should Australia successfully negotiate Semi-Final 2 in Daugavpils on May 2.

The triple Aussie Under-21 champion joined forces with 2017 world champion Jason Doyle to claim a 5-1 over Germany on day one of last year’s Final, and it was a moment the Belle Vue and Leszno prospect will never forget.

He said: “That was a cool experience last year. I went to Russia and I got my two rides. I tried my best and in the first meeting, I got a 5-1 with Doyley, which was an awesome feeling.

“The crowd in Russia was unbelievable. Hearing them under my helmet after a race put shivers down my spine. Racing in front of that kind of crowd is amazing. Not everyone gets that opportunity and I was truly grateful for that.

“Hopefully if we make it to Manchester for the Final this year, I can do my part and try to take advantage of the home track. We’ll have to see what happens.”

Lidsey is growing accustomed to life on the big stage. He competed in last year’s World Under-21 Championship, claiming seventh spot. He also finished a very creditable fifth in the Australian Senior Championship in January.

The Mildura-born racer admits he thrives under the pressure that comes with representing his country. He said: “I have been in the Speedway of Nations team for the last two years now and it is an awesome experience – being there with Doyley and Max (Fricke). Racing on that world scene is a massive thing.

“I like riding under a bit of pressure. It’s cool to have that Team Australia vibe. It’s always great to ride for your country. I really enjoy it.”

Lidsey knows Australia have work to do to ensure their place in Manchester. First they must claim one of three qualification places available in Semi-Final 2 when they tackle hosts Latvia, reigning champions Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, Finland and the USA.

If they make it through, Lidsey would love to improve on last year’s third place. He said: “Hopefully we can do well in Daugavpils and make it to the final. We got bronze last year, so hopefully we can do better than that, but it won’t be easy.”

Photo: Taylor Lanning