Speedway Grand Prix: Cardiff Preview

 

With the FIM British Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff under a week away, we take a look at how the home favourites, Tai Woffinden and Chris Harris, could fare when they take to the track at the Millenium Stadium, and who has made a positive start from the opening four events.

 

Slovenia – Krsko

Peter Kildemand was victorious on the opening Grand Prix in Slovenia, with the Dane winning four of his seven rides, including the final ahead of Aussie duo Jason Doyle and Chris Holder. Brit Tai Woffinden finished last in the final, recording just one win on the night, but ending the evening with ten points.

 

Poland – Warsaw

Undeterred by his final failings in the previous round, last year’s World Champion Woffinden ended the evening in Poland victorious. The Brit won the final heat ahead of American two time champion, Greg Hancock, and Matej Zagar, with all three finishing the evening on 14 points. Holder finished the final in last place, but his twelve points on the night sent him to the top of the riders leader board with 26 points, whilst Woffinden was close behind on 24.

 

Denmark – Horsens

Woffinden was to make his third consecutive final appearance, but the Brit came third behind Chris Holder and winner, Maciej Janowski. The Pole was on fire in Denmark, winning four of his seven rides, ending the evening with sixteen points, whilst Woffinden picked up two more points than Holder, leaving the pair level at the top after the third round. Despite not winning a single race, former World Champion Nicki Pedersen reached the final, only to finish last.

 

Czech Republic – Prague

For the first time in this year’s Grand Prix, Woffinden failed to reach the final, instead shut out by some brilliant rides from eventual winner, Jason Doyle, and Greg Hancock. Doyle ended the evening with four wins from his seven rides, but despite finishing second behind the Australian, Hancock won five of his seven, taking him to the top of the riders leader board after the opening four rounds. Chris Harris made his first podium of the series, finishing third, whilst Niels-Kristian Iversen made up the final four.

 

Riders standings:

Hancock – 57 points

Woffinden – 48 points

Holder – 44 points

Doyle – 42 points

Janowski – 41 points

Zmarzlik – 38 points

Lindback – 35 points

Kildemand – 32 points

 

So with Cardiff approaching, home favourite Woffinden knows a win and a strong performance could see him overtake Hancock into the lead. But the American is in devastating form, and has had previous success at the Millenium Stadium. As for Harris, he’s shown glimpses of class throughout the events thus far, and the home crowd’s support could be what he needs to push him the extra mile.