Speedway Grand Prix: Luke Becker handed late call-up to replace injured Jan Kvech in final race of season in Torun

North America champion Luke Becker has been handed a late call-up to take part in the final Speedway Grand Prix race of the season in Torun on Saturday.

Becker replaces the injured Jan Kvech, becoming the first American to participate in the Speedway Grand Prix series since four-time world champion Greg Hancock, who made his final GP appearance in Torun in 2018.

Kvech – who himself was the second substitute and due to replace Anders Thomsen – has withdrawn with a wrist injury sustained in a training crash.

“In training before the Czech national championship, I got hooked up with the air fence and flew over the handlebars,” Kvech explained on social media.

“Just released from hospital with several bones cracked in my left wrist and a few bruises. The title fight is lost, and the season has ended too early.”

One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity; while Kvech will miss the conclusion of this season, Becker has the opportunity to continue his impressive campaign.

The 24-year-old is currently seventh in the Polish First Division with Zielona Gora having already secured a league title earlier this month in the form of the Danish Speedwayligaen Super Final.

Becker also helped Britain’s Sports Insure Premiership side Wolverhampton make the top four.

Woffinden will be replaced in the line-up in Poland by German rider Kai Huckenbeck.

Defending champion Bartosz Zmarzlik is in a favourable position to claim the 2023 Speedway Grand Prix title but must hold his nerve to see off the threat of Swedish veteran Fredrik Lindgren, who is just six points behind.