Holland's Buddy Prijis has a Bright Speedway Racing Future Ready to Shine in 2012
- 9 may 2012
Speedway riders need to be fearless and talented, as the racing is an absolute blur of non-stop frenetic racing action. For that reason Speedway's popularity continues to grow throughout Europe. One of the brightest new stars on the scene is 14-year-old Buddy Prijis from De Krim, Holland and by every indication he's ready to take his rightful position near the top of the European Speedway scene this year.
"This is my second season of racing Speedway," said Prijis. "I have already raced in four matches this season- two times I was first and two times I was second." Speedway racing isn't a particularly high-tech but it more than makes for that shortcoming with explosive racing action. Speedway bikes are mostly Czech-made Jawa motorcycles fitted with 500cc air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder carbureted engines, which burn pure methanol and produce about 85 horsepower. Although that doesn't sound like a great many ponies, keep in mind the bikes tip the scale at barely 176 pounds. To put that in perspective, that's a better power-to-weight ratio than a Suzuki GSX-R1000. A Speedway motorcycle accelerates from zero to 60 in less than three seconds, and with a single-speed gearbox and no brakes, Speedway bikes are vicious little buggers that'll spit you off in an instant unless you've got your riding technique spot on. Experienced riders that have ridden these bikes claim it's the most intense motorcycling experience they've ever had, yet Prijis pilots his K&N supported bike with a veteran's ease and finesse. "I got interested in Speedway racing because my dad also raced them when he was a kid," explains Prijis. "In 2012 I will race in about 30 matches, and now having K&N to sponsor me is great support. I emailed a person from K&N Holland (Marcel Blom) and he said yes, he would like to sponsor me, and that's how that happened. My goal for this year is to become World Champion, and that match will be later this season in Germany." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
