PLUCKY Justin Sedgmen has vowed he’s “not an idiot” after dramatically resurrecting his UK career.
The gritty Aussie kicks off his season with Leicester and Birmingham after a sensational summer campaign Down Under with several impressive performances. But Sedgy, 31, reflects on a nightmare end to 2021 when he was sacked from two clubs and now can’t wait to be a star in both leagues for 2023.
He revealed: “It was a pretty rubbish time. I just wasn’t allowed to ride speedway. I was in a very unfortunate and bad position and I couldn’t actually go home either.
“Basically no one cares what happens to you. Clubs are quick to hire but even quicker to fire.
“It’s hard to look back on it. I don’t want to dwell on it too much. Last year was a good season for me.
“The effort I put in can’t be not rewarded. I’m not an idiot. I always show up. Sometimes you don’t feel like it but you’ve got to get on with it. But maybe good things come to those who wait.”
Sedgmen’s reward for a strong return to form in the UK was being snapped up quickly for this season with Leicester and Birmingham. His summer back in Oz in preparation could hardly have gone much better - after an early setback of his home track Mildura suffering from major FLOODS.
He added: “My girlfriend Laura and I were walking down what’s called the Mad Mile in Mildura. The next day the water was over the road, it was totally flooded.
“I spoke to my grandad and he told me the last time it happened was 1956.
“The Mildura track is right on the river but the circuit is actually higher. So no water got to the track, the only thing that got wet was the pits and one metre under water.
“After that it’s been a good summer really. The highlight was winning the Rob Woffinden meeting.
“I did really want to go back to Sheffield but another door opened with Leicester. It was perfect to have Birmingham on a Wednesday and then Leicester on a Thursday an hour apart in travel.
“Last season I did three or four meetings and they were pretty good. If I can get that track dialled in like Nick Morris, Richie Worrall or Kyle Howarth. If I can get to that level and get sorted it will be a great home track to be at.
“I just always want to do as well as I can. Since Covid everyone sort of had a reset button.
“I’ve invested a lot in my engines. I’m really enjoying riding. But I like to be THE guy.
“That’s why I liked being at Birmingham, even though the team were really struggling. When I got there I started well at Oxford and then at home. I think everyone turned to me then for answers.
“For now I just want to make sure I do a decent job for Leicester and Birmingham and have another strong season.”
By Phil Lanning
Photo by Taylor Lanning