Sammy Halbert, 2024 FIM Flat Track World Champion
Cycle News Staff | October 15, 2024
Sammy Halbert is now the first non-European rider to win the FIM Flat Track World Championship, which he narrowly sewed up at the final round in Hungary.
Sammy Halbert won the 2024 FIM Flat Track World Championship in Hungary. Photos: Stepan Sevcik
With a seven-point advantage heading into the Perenyi Pal Salakmotor Stadium for the sixth and deciding round, the 37-year-old Halbert was in command after his run of five straight podium finishes, including two wins, and knew that even if his main title rival and defending champion Ervin Krajcovic (KTM) was to win, third or better would mean the crown was heading home with him to the Pacific Northwest.
It all came down to the final race. From the start, Halbert muscled his way to the front, with Krajcovic powering through into second place and applying pressure on his American rival. The charging Czech rider then made a forceful move up the inside to take the lead and was pulling away, when a rider crashed and the red lights brought the race to a premature halt.
When the decision was made that the Grand Final had progressed far enough not to warrant a restart, the title went to Halbert by just four slender points over Krajcovic.
“Winning the FIM Flat Track World Championship after six intense rounds across Europe feels incredible,” said Halbert. “The level of competition on these speedway tracks was no joke—they really pushed me to my limits, which makes this victory even sweeter. The pressure was high, but I’m proud to have finished strong and bring the championship home. I’m grateful for the journey, the support from my team, and everyone who’s been part of it.” CN
FINAL
- Ervin Krajcovic (KTM)
- Sammy Halbert (KTM)
- Kevin Corradetti (GG)
- Ondrej Svedik (Yam)
- Lasse Kurvinen (KTM)
