The next generation of Australian speedway takes a one-three spot on the world stage
Australia’s next generation of speedway talent impressed in Sweden, with Blake Schlein crowned 2026 FIM SGP4 World Champion and fellow Australian Riley McGregor taking bronze.
Slaine finished the 20-heat event at Malila’s Skrotfrag Arena tied with Danish contender Simon Juul Windom on 14 points, while McGregor and Swedish rider Theo Trofast were close together on 10 points in the battle for third place.
This meant that both championship positions were to be decided by additional run-offs, with the Australians prevailing in each.
The result placed Australia first and third in a field of 16 riders representing 10 nations competing on category 190 cc speedway machines.
As previewed in our latest Moto News Weekly WrapSchlein and McGregor were Australia’s two representatives at the World Championships for riders aged 11 to 13.
Schlein won four out of five
Schlein’s route was perfect during the summer.
The Mildura-trained youngster won each of his opening four rides, scoring a maximum of 12 points in Heat 19, where he met Wyndham in a decisive head-to-head contest.
Wyndham won that race ahead of Schlein, with the Dane’s victory giving both riders 14 points and forcing a race for the world title.
Wyndham had the better start in the extra race and hit the front at the start, but the Danish rider lost control and fell. His elimination made Schlein the 2026 SGP4 World Champion.
The Australians finished the afternoon with four heat wins and one second place.
Schlein is the nephew of former Australian international and British champion Rory Schlein, but the youngster is now building a big racing resume of his own.
blake shlein
“I feel amazing. It’s great to be world champion.”
Schlein said he kept his nerves in check as he waited for the decisive championship run-off.
blake shlein
“I took a few deep breaths and got comfortable and sat in the shade until it was time to run away.”
Windom was disappointed after coming within one race of the title, but was happy to leave Sweden with a silver medal.
Simon Joule Wyndham
“I’m feeling great, but a little disappointed with the run-off. I don’t know what happened – the back wheel went flat and I crashed. I hope to be back for SGP4 next year.”
McGregor avoids fence to win bronze medal
There was almost equal drama in the bronze medal race.
McGregor and Trofast earned 10 points from their five rides, sending the Australian and Swedish riders back to the start line and taking third place.
McGregor led the run-off but broke the safety fence entering his second lap. The South Australian performed remarkably well to hold on to his bike and maintain the lead to secure the final podium spot.
The result gave the Australians a one-three lead and, despite a late scare, gave McGregor a bronze medal at the World Championships.
McGregor trains at the Sidewinders and Gilman Speedway tracks near Adelaide.
riley mcgregor
“I feel very lucky that I was able to hold on to the bike even after hitting that wall. It feels amazing to get a bronze medal. I thought Theo was going to get me and I messed up really badly.”
2026 FIM SGP4 World Championship results
| Situation | rider | net. | score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | blake shlein | Australia | 14 |
| 2 | Simon Joule Wyndham | den | 14 |
| 3 | riley mcgregor | Australia | 10 |
| 4 | Theo Trofast | Unfortunately | 10 |
| 5 | moses oberg | Unfortunately | 9 |
| 6 | Leo Emil Kjaersgaard | den | 9 |
| 7 | Riley Rearick | usa | 8 |
| 8 | Walters Bus | latitude | 7 |
| 9 | charlie hilmarson | Unfortunately | 6 |
| 10 | Dominic Suchanek | CZE | 6 |
| 11 | Emil von der guest | Unfortunately | 6 |
| 12 | Levi Pentzek | Jar | 5 |
| 13 | felix frantilla | Wing | 4 |
| 14 | fraser buckley | GBR | 2 |
| 15 | harry moller | den | 2 |
| 16 | ondrej trnik | s v | 1 |
Schlein defeated Windom in the gold medal race. McGregor defeated Trofast in the bronze medal race.
Starting step on the Speedway GP ladder
Introduced in 2023 and gaining full World Championship status in 2025, SGP4 is the entry point to the FIM speedway pyramid.
The category competes on regulated 190 cc motorcycles designed by six-time FIM Speedway World Champion Tony Rickardsson of Sweden, with SGP3 being the next major international step for 250 cc under-16 riders.
Approximately 1200 spectators packed into the Malila home straight for the 2026 contest, an unprecedented attendance for an entry-level speedway event.
For Australian speedway, the sight of Slain and McGregor standing together on the world championship podium provides evidence that the country’s next generation is already making its presence felt.
