Simon Gustafsson

Career Statistics

Born: 25^th May 1990

Nationality: Swedish

Appearances for Country: 0

Points for Country: 0

Start of season average: 6.18

Eastbourne Career Statistics

Appearances: 67

Points: 385

Average: 5.50

The last 9 years – Elite League Career Averages

2007 was Simon’s first Elite League season.

Profile

When Simon Gustafsson joined Eastbourne at the back end of the 2007 season, little was known of him, aside from the fact that he was the son of former Grand Prix finalist Henka Gustafsson.  Then only in his second season of League racing, competing with distinction in his home country’s third division whilst doubling up in the top division, such an early move to regular competition in Britain may have seemed a step too far.  Yet, despite the challenge of facing Cup competition in the final weeks of the Eagles’ season, as well as the difficulties posed by adapting to smaller British circuits, Gustafsson Junior recorded four race wins from 36 starts on his way to a 4.44 average.  His highly creditable performances guaranteed him a space in the 2008 starting line-up, where he slotted into a reserve berth for the second time in his Eagles career.

Alex Raby

One year on, and Simon added over half a point to his average, as well as recording appearances for his native Sweden at Under 21 level, and reaching the World Under 21 Final.  His British Elite League racing was complemented by a marked improvement in his overseas racing also, a full point improvement in both the Swedish top flight and third division encouraging his debut in the Polish third tier, where he ended with a creditable six point figure.  And while the majority of his 2008 best performances were at Arlington, he built upon his late-season double figure away score at Peterborough to post an improved overall average in 2009.  Indeed, during the month of September 2008 he posted an average of 8.42, a figure which he matched in the early stages of the 2009 season, before injury temporarily halted his progress.  After a season of establishment in which Gustafsson became the side’s third heatleader, he finds himself promoted to second heatleader for 2010; further improvement will be a challenge this season, but one which his many fans are optimistic he can achieve.