Brady Kurtz has reached the top of Australian speedway, being crowned the 2025 Australian Solo Speedway Champion. This victory marks a large milestone for Kurtz, who last claimed the Australian title in 2016 when he first transitioned to senior racing. “It’s pretty good. He’s sort of well overdue to win an Australian title,” said Brady’s father, Steve ‘Dig’ Kurtz. “The last time he won was 2016. It’s been a little while. They’re not easy to win.” Brady’s championship journey showcased his dominance across the series. At the first round at Gillman Speedway in South Australia, he took the win ahead of Jack Holder and Chris Holder. In Mildura, his performance was nothing short of dominating, as he not only claimed victory in the Phil Crump Classic but also broke the Olympic Park lap record three times, including during a cutthroat semi-final where he also shattered the four-lap race record. “Breaking records and winning at Olympic Park was a big achievement,” Steve said. The championship finished at Albury-Wodonga Motorcycle Club on January 9, where Brady secured the title with 53 points. Jack Holder finished second with 42 points, while Chris Holder rounded out the podium with 38 points. Cowra racers Zach and Ben Cook also had strong campaigns, finishing sixth and seventh respectively. This victory isn’t the only highlight in Brady’s recent career. His win at the Grand Prix Challenge last year qualified him for the Speedway Grand Prix series, earning him a spot among the top 16 riders in the world. “Probably the most memorable moment so far was winning the Grand Prix Challenge,” Steve shared. “It’s a long, hard road. “You have to be in the top four in Australia to even qualify for the overseas rounds. “Then, at the one-off meeting, you’ve got to finish in the top three to make it into the Grand Prix for the following year. “It’s been a long-life ambition for him, and now he’s there,” he said. Steve, who has supported Brady’s career since he began riding professionally overseas at 16, reflected on the challenges and dangers of the sport. “A lot of people ask me if I worry,” he said. “Naturally, it’s always in the back of your mind, but it’s something he loves. “You just learn to live with it.” Despite the physical toll of the sport, Brady has shown resilience and determination. “He’s faced plenty of injuries and ups and downs, but he’s headstrong,” Steve said. “He just keeps moving forward, and to get himself to where he is now, it’s pretty special.” Brady’s international success has also been remarkable. Last year, he captained Belle Vue in England and Rybnik in Poland, leading both teams to league championships. “He’s just stepped up another gear,” Steve said. “To win the GP Challenge, captain two teams to league titles, and then come home to win the Australian championship rounds—it doesn’t get much better than that.” Looking ahead, Brady is set to compete in the first round of the 2025 Speedway Grand Prix in Landshut, Germany, on May 3. This marks the start of a 10-round series where he will race against the world’s best.
