Burdekin Teen Ky Mitchell Earns Shot On World Speedway Stage

The Burdekin is no stranger to producing global sporting talent, and the latest to carry the banner abroad is local teenage motorcycle racer Ky Mitchell, set to take on the world after being selected to compete in the prestigious World 250 Speedway Solo Title in Europe later this year.

The 13-year-old secured his place after impressing at the Australian Championships in Albury in December last year, one of only three Australian riders aged 13 to 16 invited to compete internationally.

Ky will first contest the semi-finals in Pardubice, Czech Republic, on 16 and 17 June. If successful, he will advance to the finals in Wrocław, Poland.

For Ky and his family, the selection marks a moment of pride, achieved on the back of countless hours of training, travel and sacrifice.

“He’s been preparing for this opportunity for the past 12 months,” his father Julian said.

“That’s meant travelling all over Australia to compete, including New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. We even leave bikes set up in Adelaide because sometimes it’s easier to fly than drive long distances.”

This is not Ky’s first taste of international recognition. In 2024, he earned selection for the SGP4 series after winning an Australian Championship, but was unable to travel at the time and missed the opportunity.

This time, the family is doing everything in its power to make sure he gets there.

“For speedway, we’re a little disadvantaged in North Queensland,” Julian said.

“Most of the competition for his age group is down south, and Ky is currently the only active 250cc speedway rider in Queensland.

“As a family, we work hard to put in the travel hours. We’re also very lucky to have support from many North Queensland locals who help him get training and track time where possible.

“Ky’s a ‘go-with-the-flow kid’. He’ll drive, fly and sleep anywhere if it means he gets to race.”

Once on track, the budding star’s talent speaks for itself.

“Ky always puts in 110 per cent at practice and race meetings,” Julian said.

“He’s very consistent and always turns heads. We’re extremely proud to see his hard work paying off.”

For Ky, the moment he found out about his selection was unforgettable.

“I was shocked with excitement,” he said.

“It’s been a dream of mine to represent Australia riding speedway.”

Having raced from the tender age of just four, the selection represents a significant lunge toward the teenager’s long-time goal of riding internationally as a profession.

He is eager to test himself against the world’s best, race at new tracks, meet new people from other countries, and watch the SGP live in Poland.

Julian is also hopeful the trip will broaden his horizons beyond racing, eager for him to “experience new countries, new tracks and what it’s like to race at an international level.”

In the coming months, the Mitchell family will be running fundraisers to help cover the significant costs of travelling and competing overseas.

Supporters can follow Ky’s journey and find updates through the Ky Mitchell Racing Facebook page.

Photos:

1. Local teenage motorcycle racer Ky Mitchell, set to take on the world after being selected to compete in the prestigious World 250 Speedway Solo Title in Europe later this year.

2. He’s very consistent and always turns heads. We’re extremely proud to see his hard work paying off,” said father, Julian Mitchell.

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