Speedway GP stars Patryk Dudek and Brady Kurtz both picked up prizes at the PGE Ekstraliga Gala in Warsaw on Friday.
Dudek triumphed in a public vote to claim two Szczakiel awards – named in honour of Poland’s first FIM Speedway world champion Jerzy Szczakiel.
The European champion comfortably pipped six-time Speedway GP world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik to the Polish Rider of the Year award, collecting almost 50 percent of the vote, with Zmarzlik on 30 percent.
Dudek also walked off with the Surprise of the Season award – a fine end to a year, which saw him win his second Polish Championship and lead Torun to their first PGE Ekstraliga gold medal since 2008.
Of his Polish Rider of the Year prize, a delighted Dudek said: “We had a close fight with Bartek Zmarzlik this season. I became the European champion, which means I'm a little bit of a world champion, but I'm not entirely sure what influenced that choice.
“Regardless, I'm very pleased to have won against Bartek and all the other guys competing on the track.”
On his Surprise of the Season award, he joked: “I realise I'm quite good at speedway, but am I good enough to win such an award?
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my Kasia, who gave birth to our beautiful daughter this year. I'd like to thank my team, who has worked with me for two years to achieve what we have. I'd also like to thank my coach and the fans for voting for me.”
Aussie ace Kurtz triumphed in the Foreign Rider of the Year poll in a season which saw him fall just a point short of becoming the first Speedway GP debutant in history to be crowned world champion.
He said: "I'm very happy with the win and I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me. This has been a truly successful season for me, and I'm extremely pleased with the results I've achieved.”
There was also a special award for Zmarzlik in recognition of his record-equalling sixth Speedway GP world title win, while former world No.2 Jaroslaw Hampel received a Golden Szczakiel - a lifetime achievement award in the year he announced his retirement.
SGP2 silver medallist Wiktor Przyjemski secured the Junior of the Year award after season which saw the 2024 SGP2 gold medallist crowned Polish Under-21 champion and help Lublin to PGE Ekstraliga silver.
He said: “I am a bit surprised because I was sure that Damian Ratajczak would receive the award this year, but I am very happy to receive the statuette.”
Torun team manager Piotr Baron topped the Coach of the Season poll after leading his club to its first league title in 17 years.
He said: “I wouldn't have received this award if it wasn't for the team I worked with and the board that trusted me. Our players form a great team, which is a recipe for success, and I think we understand each other better than before.”