Australia has named a full-strength squad for the 2012 FIM Speedway World Cup (SWC), led by grand prix campaigners Jason Crump and Chris Holder.
Crump will be the team captain, with hostilities beginning for Australia on July 9 when it tackles the Czech Republic, Britain and Germany at King’s Lynn.
The other squad members are Darcy Ward, former GP winner Ryan Sullivan, Troy Batchelor, Davey Watt, Sam Masters, Cameron Woodward, Jason Doyle and Tyron Proctor. Former domestic league rider Mark Lemon is the manager.
Meanwhile, reigning SWC champion Poland will meet Russia, Denmark and America in the opening qualifier on home soil in Bydgoszcz on July 7.
The second and third placed teams from each qualifier will progress to a race-off in Malilla, Sweden on July 12. The winner of the race-off will join the winners of the qualifiers and host team Sweden at the tournament final in Malilla on July 14.
Fans will be able to watch every moment of the 2012 Speedway World Cup as it happens, with SPEED TV broadcasting every round live.
Australia has finished on the SWC podium six times since 2001, including victories in 2001-2002. Last year, Australia was just beaten into second by Poland.
Postscript: Crump, Holder, Watt and Ward have been selected for Australia's opening event on July 9.