“Team Australia” travel to Vastervik, Sweden on 26th July for the Series Event 2 Semi-final clash against the host nation and current World Team Champions, Sweden. Team USA and quarterfinal qualifiers Germany also line up.

None other than Australian star, Darcy Ward, who will return to Europe in the coming weeks and will be present at this year’s competition, assisted Team Manager, Mark Lemon with the squad selection for this year’s campaign.

It’s no surprise to see Grand Prix riders, Jason Doyle and Chris Holder take their place in this year’s squad leaving Lemon and Ward with some big decisions to make on who will step up into the team in for this season’s competition. A new rule for 2016 also means one under-21 rider must fill the reserve berth and Team Australia has no shortage of under-21s talent at their disposal.

All of the riders in the 2015 team, who finished overall fourth in last year’s competition appear in this year’s squad. The only debutant to appear is current Australia Under-21 Champion, Jack Holder.

Team Manager Mark Lemon said “Although this year’s plans haven’t to date been plain sailing owning to a funding cuts by the Australian Sports Commission into Motorcycling Australia, this hasn’t dampened spirits’.

‘Although the road to this year’s competition hasn’t been plain sailing, the ambition of the team and anyone who dons an Australian race suit remains the same and we’ll be looking to avoid the cut-throat race-off in the UK when we meet our competitors in the first round. It’s great to have Darcy involved who keeps his eyes very much on the boys performances around the world and we’re looking forward to him being part of Team Australia once again.

With just under weeks remaining until the final team selection needs to be made, all eyes will be on the squad’s European performances between now and then. This year’s squad features experience as well as some exciting new generation riders and it’s great to see them at a level where they are breaking onto the International team scene.’

For anyone wishing to assist Team Australia’s fundraising plight, donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/aesg4xhw.

Packages reward donors with some limited edition Team Australia merchandise featuring Darcy Ward’s Image. Packages start at $25.

The 2016 Speedway World Cup squad

Troy Batchelor QLD

Jason Doyle NSW

Max Fricke U21 VIC

Josh Grajczonek QLD

Chris Holder (C) NSW

Jack Holder U21 NSW Debutant

Brady Kurtz U21 NSW

Sam Masters NSW

Nick Morris QLD

Rohan Tungate NSW