Teen Belle Vue ace Tate undergoes operation after horror speedway crash

Belle Vue ace Tate Zischke has undergone an operation after picking up several breaks after his horror crash at the National Speedway Stadium. 

The 18-year-old Australian ploughed into the safety fence at high-speed on Monday night, causing the event to be abandoned. 

Zischke was treated by paramedics on the track for 45 minutes before being transferred to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

The highly-rated kid has spoken for the first time since the incident to reveal the full catalogue of injuries. 

He said: “Hello everyone just want to jump on and thank everyone for all the messages and hospital visits this means a lot. 

“I haven't been able to get back to everyone but thanks everyone. 

“It's going to be a long bumpy road to recovery. I will spend the coming weeks in hospital fighting to get better each day. 

“It has been a rough few days so far but we will keep fighting. So far I can let you all know I have fractured 7 vertebrae and 5 ribs and have a nasty entry and exit hole in my left bum cheek where I was penetrated by my bike when I followed my bike into the fence. 

"I have so far had 1 surgery on my ass cheek and have been told I will need a couple more in the coming days. I want to let everyone know this crash was 100% a racing incident and nobody is at fault.

“I will keep everyone updated on what is happening next.”

Kind-hearted fans and The Belle Vue Speedway Trust have moved swiftly to support Zischke and his family. They revealed in a statement: “Following the events of Monday evening, the Trust has been in discussion with the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund and has agreed to provide Tate's mother with the air fare to travel to the UK, from Australia, to be with her son. 

“The Trust will also contribute to any additional welfare that is required during her stay, over and above that which the SRBF will provide. 

“Whilst it is too early to be precise, the Trust intends to provide further assistance to Tate during his period of rehabilitation, be it in the UK, or back in Australia. 

“All this would not be possible without the tremendous support we receive week in week out from the Supporters of Belle Vue and the unfailing efforts of David Burroughs and his team from the Belle Vue Speedway Supporters Club.”

Zischke was due to race for Australian in the prestigious Speedway of Nations Under-21 championship final in Manchester on July 12.

The National Speedway Stadium will host the prestigious Speedway of Nations from July 9-13, where the new world champions will be crowned on Saturday night.