Monthly Archives: June 2012
Eagles Soar To Coventry Triumph
Eastbourne Eagles soared to a superb away win as they cruised to a 38-52 win over the struggling Coventry Bees at Brandon.
After 3-3s in the opening three races, in-form reserve Timo Lahti struck an excellent victory over Scott Nicholls to provide the catalyst for an Eastbourne 4-2 thanks to Lewis Bridger taking third.
Further level races followed in the next two heats, before the visitors doubled their advantage through a win for skipper Cameron Woodward, backed up by Swede Simon Gustafsson in third.
Yet Coventry pulled themselves back level with a pair of 4-2s of their own in heats 9 and 10, with guest Simon Stead and struggling Eddie Kennett providing race wins, but the impressive Sebastian Ulamek, guesting at number one for Joonas Kylmakorpi, held off Scott Nicholls brilliantly in heat 11 to give another 4-2 in favour of Eastbourne.
Gustafsson and Lahti then provided a huge blow to the Coventry efforts with a 5-1 in heat 12, before Woodward and Lahti repeated the trick in the penultimate race of the night to wrap up an Eastbourne victory due to a 10 point lead going into the final heat.
The Eagles then compounded the Coventry misery by striking a third maximum in four races in heat 15 through Ulamek and Woodward, ending the meeting in style for the impressive visitors.
For Coventry, it was yet another miserable home performance, in which the majority of riders underperformed. Number one Edward Kennett (9+1) was disappointing considering he had 6 riders, whilst the same could apply for Scott Nicholls (8), although he did battle well despite his injury troubles. Simon Stead (9+1) did do a good job as a guest, but with both Chris Harris and Kenni Larsen missing, Coventry desperately needed someone to step up an provide a big score. Without that big-scorer, the reserves needed to perform to give the Brandon side a glimmer of hope, but both Adam Roynon (4) and Henning Bager (4) failed to do so, resulting in a crushing home defeat for the struggling Midlands outfit.
Conversely, it was an excellent performance for Eastbourne, who continues to impress with strong all around team displays. Guesting number one Sebastian Ulamek (12) was exceptional, whilst Tim Lahti (12+2) was a real trump card at reserve once more. Cameron Woodward (9+2) added another strong display in the middle order to lead his side, with Simon Gustafsson (8) forming a formidable middle order pairing with the Aussie. At number two, Lukas Dryml (5+1) consistently does what is required, and although Lewis Bridger (4+1) was a little disappointing, the good performances of those around him allowed the Eagles to take an excellent away win which maintains their 4th spot in the Elite League table.
SCORES
Nicholls-Battling Display
Coventry Bees – 38
1. Edward Kennett 2,3,0,3,1′,0 = 9+1
2. Chris Harris R/R
3. Simon Stead (G) 3,1′,0,3,1,1 = 9+1
4. Aaron Summers 1′,0,2,1,Xt = 4+1
5. Scott Nicholls 2,2,2,2 = 8
6. Adam Roynon 3,R,1,0,0 = 4
7. Henning Bager 0,0,3,0,1 = 4
Eastbourne Eagles – 52
Ulamek-Superb Guest
1. Sebastian Ulamek (G) 3,0,3,3,3 = 12
2. Lukas Dryml 0,3,1′,1 = 5+1
3. Simon Gustafsson 2,1,2,3 = 8
4. Cameron Woodward 1′,3,X,3,2′ = 9+2
5. Lewis Bridger 1,1′,2,F = 4+1
6. Denis Gizatullin 1′,2,0 = 3+1
7. Timo Lahti 2,3,2,2′,2′ = 11+2
source: www.speedwayupdates.proboards.com
Images Copyright Sandra Davidssson (www.speedway-sasha.se) and Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-foto.cz)
Peterborough Edge To All 3 Points
Peterborough Panthers held their nerve to take all three points with a narrow 49-41 victory over Coventry in an intriguing Elite League meeting.
The home side made the better start, scoring an opening heat 4-2, but Coventry reserves Adam Roynon and Henning Bager instantly reversed the two point deficit in favour of their side with a heat 2 maximum.
Danish hotshot Michael Jepsen Jensen combined with Linus Sundstrom in heat 3 to hit a 5-1 for Peterborough over Chris Harris and Kenni Larsen, before a good win for Polish reserve Norbert Kosciuch resulted in a level heat 4.
Peterborough then opened up a 6 point lead through Jepsen Jensen and Sundstrom, who once again struck a 5-1, but Coventry again stayed in touching distance with a 5-1 of their own courtesy of Chris Harris and Kenni Larsen in heat 7.
An excellent win for the strong Kosciuch in heat 8 accounted for another Panthers heat advantage, before Brit Adam Roynon provided a shock win over Jepsen Jensen and Sundstrom to keep the gap the same after heat 9.
A further 3-3 in heat 9 kept things extremely tight, before the impressive Kosciuch brilliantly passed Eddie Kennett on the final lap in heat 11 to provide a 4-2 which moved the hosts into a 6 point lead.
Wins for Harris, Bjerre and Roynon led to a trio of level heats building up to heat 15, and with no team able to convert their wins into heat advantages, Peterborough were guaranteed victory.
Yet that final race had plenty riding on it, with Coventry still seeking a losing bonus point, but when Michael Jepsen Jensen squeezed past Harris on the line to convert a Bjerre win into a home 4-2, Peterborough ensured they took all three points and Coventry went home empty handed.
For Peterborough, it was an extremely good home display in which every rider did their job well. Number one Kenneth Bjerre (14) was superb, putting his recent troubles behind him, whilst reserve Norbert Kosciuch (13+2) proved to be a real trump card. In the middle order, both Michael Jepsen Jensen (9+2) and Linus Sundstrom (9+1) provided paid double figures, and their strong displays proved vital, covering for the early loss of Olly Allen due to injury and powering the Panthers to victory.
On the other hand, Coventry will be disappointed to have gone away empty handed after a valiant effort away from home. Both reserves Adam Roynon (11) and Henning Bager (7+2) stepped up in good displays to cover the absence of Aaron Summers well, but the powerful top three failed to perform as well as the Bees needed them to. Scott Nicholls (8+1) did OK with his shoulder injury, but would be expected to do a little better, whilst Grand Prix star Chris Harris (9) was below par. The main problem was number on Eddie Kennett (4+1) who was extremely poor, and with fourth heat leader Kenni Larsen withdrawn due to injury early on, Coventry just ran out of steam.
SCORES
MJJ-Consistent Perfomer
Peterborough Panthers – 49
1. Kenneth Bjerre 3, 2, 3, 3, 3 = 14
2. Krzysztof Buczkowski R/R
3. Michael Jepsen Jensen 3, 2′, 1′, 2, 1 = 9+2
4. Linus Sundstrom 2′, 3, 2, 2 = 9+1
5. Olly Allen 0, Fx Withdrawn = 0
6. Richard Lawson 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1′ = 4+1
7. Norbert Kosciuch 1, 1, 3, 1′, 3, 3, 1′ = 13+2
Coventry Bees – 41
Nicholls-Struggling with Injury
1. Edward Kennett 0, 1, 2, 1′ = 4+1
2.Aaron Summers R/R (AR: 2), (HB: 0), (KL: Fx), (AR: 0) = (2)
3. Chris Harris 1, 3, 2, 3, 0 = 9
4. Kenni Larsen 0, 2′, Fx Withdrawn = 2+1
5. Scott Nicholls 1′, 3, 0, 2, 2 = 8+1
6. Adam Roynon 2, 3, Fx, 3, F, 3 = 11
7. Henning Bager 2′, 2, 0, 2, 1′, 0, 0 = 7+2
source: www.speedwayupdates.proboards.com
Images Copyright Sandra Davidsson (www.speedway-sasha.se) and Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-zavril.cz)
Swindon Cruise To Comfortable Win
Swindon Robins made the most or just their second home meeting since April by hammering Wolverhampton Wolves 60-33 at Blunsdon.
After Hans Andersen and Nick Morris kept out Fredrik Lindgren for a heat 1 maximum, Troy Batchelor comfortably defeated Ty Proctor in heat 3 for another heat advantage thanks to Simon Stead taking third.
Jason Doyle and Peter Kildemand then completed a dream start for the Robins by scoring a second 5-1 in heat 4 over former Swindon men Rory Schlein and Kenny Ingalls, both guesting for the visitors, opening up a 10 point deficit.
Wolves were now entitled to nominate a rider for double points, and they duly gave Lindgren the black and white helmet next time out. The GP star delivered a victory over Batchelor and Stead to to pull Wolves back within 7, but when Andersen and Morris struck their second 5-1 next time out that tactical ride
was nullified.
The hosts remained in control as they scored another 4-2 in heat 8, before they all but wrapped up their win through Batchelor and Stead cancelling out the second Wolves tactical ride with a heat 9 maximum over Schlein.
After further heat advantages in heats 11 and 12, Swindon lay 23 points clear, before they wrapped things up in style with a 5-1 in the final race of the night after heats 13 and 14 had ended level.
For Swindon, it was a very professional performance in front of their home crowd, with all riders doing extremely well. Troy Batchelor (14) continues his improvement after a poor start to the season, whilst number one Hans Andersen (11) continues to bag double figures on a regular basis. Peter Kildemand (11+3) was superb in the main body, whilst Jason Doyle (9+2) has been mighty impressive during his spell at reserve, with this meeting proving no different. Each of those four riders lost out to an opposition rider only on, and with Simon Stead (7+2) and Nick Morris (5+2) also scoring well, it was a comfortable home triumph for the high flying Robins.
On the other hand, Wolves were subjected to yet another crushing defeat, leaving them still searching for their first away point of 2012. Freddie Lindgren (13) did perform well, whilst Ty Proctor (8+1) and Kenny Ingalls (5+1) both did Ok. However, the rest of the riders were way below par, with Thomas Jorgensen (4), Rory Schlein (3+1) and Lukasz Sowka (0) all contributing little. With only 3 race wins and 12 last places, Wolves were destined for a heavy defeat, and that was exactly what they got.
SCORES
Andersen-Strong No.1
Swindon Robins – 60
1. Hans Andersen – 3, 3, 3, 2, =11
2. Nick Morris – 2*, 2*, 1, 0 = 5+2
3. Simon Stead – 1, 1*, 2*, 3 = 7+2
4. Troy Batchelor – 3, 2, 3, 3, 3 = 14
5. Peter Kildemand – 2*, 3, 3, 1*, 2* = 11+3
6. Ashley Birks (G) – 1*, 0, 1, 0 = 2+1
7. Jason Doyle – 2, 3, 3, 2* = 10+1
Wolverhampton Wolves – 33
Lindgren-Only Real Resistance
1. Freddie Lindgren – 1, 6^, 2, 3, 1= 13
2. Lukasz Sowka – 0, 0, 0, 0 = 0
3.Robert Miskowiak R/R
4. Ty Proctor – 2, 1*, 2, 1, 2, 0 =8+1
5. Rory Schlein – 1, Fx, 1, 1*, 0 =3+1
6. Thomas Jorgensen – 3, 1, 0, 0, 0 = 4
7. Kenny Ingalls (G) – 0, 0, 2, 2, 1* = 5+1
Source: www.speedwayupdates.proboards.com
Images Copyright Sandra Davidsson (www.speedway-sasha.se) and Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-foto.cz)
Holder: “Look To Keep Our Record Going”
Grand Prix star Chris Holder was left delighted after his depleted Poole Pirates came away from Monmore Green with a 41-49 victory over Wolverhampton on Monday night. Speaking after the meeting, Holder said: “Yes we are really happy with the win. Monmore Green is a really hard place to come to and we have been here four times this season and won four times, so we are really happy with that. Bomber stepped in tonight and scored some good points, and the rest of the boys did their job too, so we walked away with the win tonight and all four points”.
The away victory extends Poole’s superb unbeaten run to 18 matches in 2012, and Holder is unsure how long that record can last, but is loving the way it is going: “We really don’t know how long we can keep this unbeaten run going, we are just taking every meeting as it comes. We don’t want it to end, but surely we can’t go all the way through unbeaten, but the way it is going you never know. We are just doing the best we can to try and get as many wins and points as we can”.
24 year old Holder added 14 superb points on the night, and he was content with his own nights work: “Tonight was near perfect for me. I just dropped the one point to Eddie (Kennett) in one race, and he was riding really well so I am not too disappointed with that. I had a few good races, and like I said we won as a team. It is not about me it is about the team, and I am happy with the team because we won, so now we will just look to keep our record going”.
After some good performances in the Grand Prix series, Holder bagged another rostrum place at the weekend, finishing as runner up on Gorzow, and he is delighted with the way things are going in the series: “The Grand Prix’s this year are going really good for me. Things seem to be working the way I want them to, and the bikes are going good, which helps a lot because everyone is really strong at that level. So yes, everything is going good and I just want to be able to keep that up for the second half of the season”.
Noddy, as he is known, is now up to joint second in the Grand Prix standings, but although he would love to become World Champion, he is not getting too carried away yet: “Obviously, I am there to be number one not to be second, but the Grand Prix’s are really tough and you have just got to be consistent I think. I am getting pretty consistent at the moment, but you can easily go down the championship just as quick as you move up, so I will just see what happens now and take every Grand Prix as it comes”.
Kasprzak-New Addition
Poole have seen Adrian Miedzinski leave their side recently, but after a spell without a replacement, terms have been agreed for Pole Krzysztof Kasprzak to join them at the start of July, and Holder is delighted with their latest addition: “Yes it is excellent to have a good rider like Kasprzak coming in to replace Miedzinski. It is difficult to have two riders with big averages and build a good team with the rest of the boys. But the boys we have got are all doing exceptionally well, and I think adding Kasprzak to the team is just going to make us even stronger. So we are looking forward to him coming and I am pretty sure he will be happy to be coming back to Poole as well”.
Images Copyright Sandra Davidsson (www.speedway-sasha.se) and Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-foto.cz)
Wolves Woes Continue As Pirates Maintain Record
Poole Pirates maintained their unbeaten record with a sublime 41-49 away victory against the struggling Wolverhampton Wolves at Monmore Green.
After a level opening race, the hosts opened up a two point lead, as a Kenny Ingalls win was backed up by a third place for debutant Jacob Thorssell after Kyle Howarth fell whilst at the back.
Wins for GP star Chris Holder and Eddie Kennett, guesting in place of Tai Woffinden for Wolves, saw the hosts remain ahead, but the two point deficit was soon reversed in favour of the Pirates, as their guest Chris Harris was joined by Ricky Kling at the front for a comfortable 5-1 over middle-order duo Ty Proctor and Robert Miskowiak.
The next three heats saw Lindgren, Kennett and Proctor take victories for Wolves, but on each occasion their partner was left trailing at the back, meaning the hosts failed to capitalise on their race wins.
Poole then instantly punished them for that, starting with a heat 9 maximum from Sam Masters and Dennis Andersson, again over Proctor and Miskowiak.
Holder then got the better of fellow GP man Lindgren to provide stretch the Poole advantage to 8, before a third consecutive heat advantage for the visitors put them 10 clear going into the interval.
Wolves were in desperate need of a heat advantage quickly if they were going to give themselves a chance, but instead it was Holder and Masters who nullified a Miskowiak tactical ride with another 5-1, which completed a devastating four heat spell which sprung their lead from a slender two points to a massive 14 point advantage that guaranteed another victory.
A Lindgren win did give Wolves a heat 13 4-2, before Proctor and Ingalls struck a maximum in the penultimate race of the night, but it was too little too late as they fell to a disappointing 41-49 defeat.
Kennett-Good Guest
For Wolves, Fredrik Lindgren (12+1) did what was expected, whilst Eddie Kennett (11) did an excellent job as a guest. However, nobody stepped up in the middle-order to add a big score and cover the use of rider replacement, with Robert Miskowiak (4) very poor and Ty Proctor (8+1) poor besides his two race wins. With Jacob Thorssell (1) making little impact on his debut, and in-form Ricky Wells absent, Proctor or Miskowiak needed to step up with a double figure score in support, and with neither doing that, Wolves struggled. 9 last places around their home track was also not good enough, and they were made to pay by the in-form Pirates.
On the other hand, Poole will be delighted with an exceptional away win when they were extremely under-strength themselves. Chris Holder (14) was exceptional as ever, whilst Chris Harris (10) covered the absence of Darcy Ward very well. With Adrian Miedzinski gone and Kasprzak yet to rejoin Poole, Sam Masters (10+2) stepped up from reserve to be a real trump card, whilst Ricky Kling (6+2) and Dennis Andersson (4+3) were unsung heroes in the main body. Even though they didn’t score many, young Brits Kyle Howarth (3) and Kyle Newman (2+1) also scored some vital points.
SCORES
Lindgren-Consistent Scorer
Wolverhampton Wolves – 41
1. Freddie Lindgren 3, 3, 2, 3, 1* = 12+1
2. Lukasz Sowka R/R
3. Robert Miskowiak 2, 1, 0, 1! = 4
4. Ty Proctor 1*, 0, 3, 1, 3 = 8+1
5. Edward Kennett (G) 3, 3, 2, 1, 2 = 11
6. Kenny Ingalls (G) 0, 3, 0, 0, 2* = 5+1
7. Jacob Thorssell 1, 0, 0, 0, 0 = 1
8. Tom Perry 0 = 0
Poole Pirates – 49
Masters-Vital at Reserve
1. Chris Harris (G) 2, 3, 3, 2, 0 = 10
2. Ricky Kling 1*, 2*, 2, 1 = 6+2
3. Chris Holder 3, 2, 3, 3, 3 = 14
4. Kyle Newman FX, 1*, 1 = 2+1
5. Dennis Andersson 1*, 1*, 2*, 0 = 4+3
6. Sam Masters 2, 2, 1*, 3, 2*, F = 10+2
7. Kyle Howarth F, 2, 1 = 3
Images Copyright Sandra Davidsson (www.speedway-sasha.se) and Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-foto.cz)
Late Charge Sees Eastbourne Triumph
Skipper Cameron Woodward struck a superb 11+3 for the Eastbourne Eagles to power them to an excellent 51-39 victory over the high-flying Lakeside Hammers.
It was the visiting side that got off to a dream start, as Davey Watt and Kim Nilsson raced clear for a maximum in the opening heat of the night.
A brilliant move by reserve Robert Mear to round the home riders off turn 2 preserved the Lakeside advantage, before a superb win for Eastbourne man Woodward over Peter Karlsson only resulted in another 3-3.
Lakeside then doubled their advantage, as the superb Mear was joined at the front by Kauko Nieminen to secure a second maximum for the Arena-Essex outfit.
Yet the Eagles bounced straight back to nullify the damage, with Simon Gustafsson taking the win from team-mate Woodward who charged brilliantly inside Nilsson going onto the second lap.
After wins for Kylmakorpi and Bridger resulted in a pair of level heats, Eastbourne were level thanks to their second 5-1, this time courtesy of Lukas Dryml and Timo Lahti.
Two heats later, and the Arlington side took the lead through Dryml and Kylmakorpi providing another maximum.
The Hammers soon halved that gap though, this time with a 4-2 instigated by a Davey Watt victory, before another 3-3 left the meeting hanging in the balance entering the closing stages.
However, the hosts struck a massive blow in the heat 13, with the fast Bridger and Kylmakorpi duo giving the Eagles a 5-1 which extended their advantage to 6.
Lahti-Heat 14 Controversy
Controversy then followed in the penultimate race of the night, with Lahti surviving an exclusion despite a fall, before getting up and striking a fatal maximum with Woodward which wrapped up a home triumph.
The superb Woodward then ensured that his team would take all 3 points, this time winning heat 15 ahead of Watt, with Kylmakorpi providing a third place which gave a 4-2 and a 51-39 final scoreline.
For Eastbourne, it was a superb team display in front of the sky cameras, with all riders carrying out their roles well to give them an exceptional win against a good Hammers side. Cameron Woodward (11+3) was the real star, being beaten only once, whilst Timo Lahti (9+2) was again a trump card at reserve. Joonas Kylmakorpi (9+1) did his job in the number one jacket, whilst Lewis Bridger (8) also recovered very well from a poor start. Simon Gustafsson (7) and Lukas Dryml (6+1) also both did what was required, and even though Denis Gizatullin (1+1) was poor, the hosts had enough.
Meanwhile, Lakeside will be disappointed that they failed to capitalise on a good start and ended up leaving empty handed. Although Peter Karlsson (11) was strong, he was the top scorer, and the Hammers really needed a big scorer to hit 13+ points. Davey Watt (9) was a little below par at number one, whilst reserve Ales Davies failed to score. Although Robert Mear (8) did quite well, he tailed off dramatically with three last places, whilst Kim Nilsson (6+2) and Kauko Nieminen (5+3) failed to step up to cover for the use of rider replacement at number five.
SCORES
Kylmakorpi-Solid No.1
Eastbourne Eagles – 51
1. Joonas Kylmakorpi – 0, 3, 3, 2′, 1 = 9+1
2. Lukas Dryml – 1, 0, 3, 2′ = 6+1
3. Simon Gustafsson – 0, 3, 2, 2 = 7
4. Cameron Woodward – 3, 2′, 1′, 2′, 3 = 11+3
5. Lewis Bridger – 0, 3, 2, 3 = 8
6. Denis Gizatullin – 1′, 0, 0 = 1+1
7. Timo Lahti – 2, 1, 2′, 1′, 3 = 9+2
Lakeside Hammers – 39
PK-Continues to Deliver
1. Davey Watt – 3, R, 3, 1, 2 = 9
2. Kim Nilsson – 2′, 1, 1′, 1, 1 = 6+2
3. Peter Karlsson – 2, 2, 3, 1, 3, 0 = 11
4. Kauko Nieminen – 1′, 2′, 1′, 0, 1 = 5+3
5. Rider Replacement
6. Alex Davies (G) – 0, 0, 0 = 0
7. Robert Mear – 3, 3, 2, 0, 0, 0 = 8
source: www.speedwayupdates.proboards.com
Images Copyright Sandra Davidsson (www.speedway-sasha.se) and Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-foto.cz)
Wroclaw 44-46 Torun Report
Chris Holder and Adrian Miedzinski struck a stunning last heat 5-1 to fire Torun to a dramatic 44-46 away win and break Wroclaw hearts.
The visitors got off to a flying start, with brothers Emil and Kamil Pulczynski scoring an impressive opening heat maximum.
Wroclaw did halve the gap to two immediately though with a 4-2 after a Tomasz Jedrzejak win was converted was converted into a heat advantage by Jesper B Monberg taking third.
After wins for Ulamek and Holder produced a pair of level races, Torun doubled their lead once more, as Adrian Miedzinski combined with Karol Zabik for a 4-2.
Aussie Ryan Sullivan then got the better of Grand Prix star Freddie Lindgren in heat 6 to instigate a second consecutive Torun heat advantage to stretch their lead to 6.
Jedrzejak and Lindgren then took victories for Wroclaw, but neither were converted into heat advantages, before Jedrzejak was joined at the front by Ulamek in heat 9 to fire the hosts right back into contention with a maximum.
Two races later, and Wroclaw were back on level terms, with a win for Fast Freddie Lindgren being backed up by partner Jesper B Monberg in third, producing a home 4-2.
With the meeting hanging in the balance in the closing stages, Torun edged ahead with a heat 13 heat advantage from Aussie pairing Holder and Sullivan.
Wroclaw appeared to have snatched victory in the penultimate heat of the night though, as a Monberg and Jedrzejak maximum swung things back into the home sides favour.
However, the drama was still not over, and after Ulamek suffered an engine failure in heat 15, Holder and Miedzinski beat Lindgren to the chequered flag to give Torun a 5-1 of their own which saw them snatch a 44-46 victory by the narrowest of margins.
For Wroclaw, it was another extremely disappointing home defeat, with last heat heartbreak hard to take against a Torun side missing star Darcy Ward. Sebastian Ulamek (12+1) and Tomasz Jedrzejak (11+1) were both excellent, whilst Swede Freddie Lindgren (11) also did very well, but once again it was just those three riders performing, with the remaining riders failing to make meaningful contributions. Jesper B Monberg (5) did do OK, but Dennis Andersson (3+1) was below par in the middle order, whilst both Patryk Dolny (0) and Patryk Malitowski (2+1) made minimal contributions at reserve, meaning Wroclaw again fell just short.
On the other hand, it was a very well rounded display from Torun, with most riders carrying out their roles accordingly. Chris Holder (14+1) again impressed to top score, whilst Adrian Miedzinski (11+1) was another double-figure contributor. Aussie Ryan Sullivan (7) added vital points as well, whilst Emil Pulczynski (7+1) was a real trump card at reserve. Karol Zabik (4+1) picked up vital points at the back to give Torun some heat advantages, and Kamil Pulczynski (3) did play his part in the victory with an important race win early on.
Ulamek-Strong Score
Betard Sparta Wroclaw – 44
9. Tomasz Jędrzejak - 11+1 (3,3,3,0,2*)
10. Jesper Monberg - 5 (1,0,-,1,3)
11. Sebastian Ułamek - 12+1 (3,2,2*,2,3,ef)
12. Dennis Andersson - 3+1 (ex,0,1*,2)
13. Fredrik Lindgren - 11 (2,2,3,3,1)
14. Patryk Dolny - 0 (0,0,0)
15. Patryk Malitowski - 2+1 (1,1*,0)
Holder-Key Man
1. Adrian Miedziński - 11+2 (2,3,2,1,1*,2*)
2. Karol Ząbik - 4+1 (0,1,1*,2,-)
3. Ryan Sullivan - 7 (2,3,0,0,1,1)
4. Darcy Ward – R/R
5. Chris Holder - 14+1 (1,3,1*,3,3,3)
6. Emil Pulczyński - 7+1 (2*,1,2,2,0)
7. Kamil Pulczyński - 3 (3,0,0)
HEAT BY HEAT
1. (61,2) K. Pulczyński, E. Pulczyński, Malitowski, Dolny 1:5
2. (60,9) Jędrzejak, Miedziński, Monberg, Ząbik 4:2 (5:7)
3. (60,8) Ułamek, Sullivan, Holder, Andersson (f/ex) 3:3 (8:10)
4. (61,0) Holder, Lindgren, Malitowski, K. Pulczyński 3:3 (11:13)
5. (61,2) Miedziński, Ułamek, Ząbik, Andersson 2:4 (13:17)
6. (61,0) Sullivan, Lindgren, E. Pulczyński, Dolny 2:4 (15:21)
7. (60,8) Jędrzejak, E. Pulczyński, Holder, Monberg 3:3 (18:24)
8. (61,1) Lindgren, Miedziński, Ząbik, Malitowski 3:3 (21:27)
9. (60,8) Jędrzejak, Ułamek, Miedziński, Sullivan 5:1 (26:28)
10. (61,1) Holder, Ułamek, Andersson, K. Pulczyński 3:3 (29:31)
11. (61,0) Lindgren, Ząbik, Monberg, Sullivan 4:2 (33:33)
12. (60,8) Ułamek, E. Pulczyński, Miedziński, Dolny 3:3 (36:36)
13. (60,7) Holder, Andersson, Sullivan, Jędrzejak 2:4 (38:40)
14. (61,0) Monberg, Jędrzejak, Sullivan, E. Pulczyński 5:1 (43:41)
15. (61,1) Holder, Miedziński, Lindgren, Ułamek (ef/start) 1:5 (44:46)
source: www.sportowefakty.pl/zuzel
Images Copyright Sandra Davidsson (www.speedway-sasha.se) and Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-foto.cz)
Vaculik Flies To Gorzow Stunner
22 year old Slovakian Martin Vaculik provided a shock result on his debut a he raced to a phenomenal victory at the Polish Grand Prix in Gorzow. Vaculik,replacing the injured Jaroslaw Hampel, capped off an impressive display with victory over Chris Holder in the final, whilst home favourite Bartosz Zmarzlik made the most of his wild card appearance to score a stunning rostrum place in third.
It was Peter Ljung who started the meeting in style, as he made the most of a good gate to hold on for the win under pressure from fellow Swede Freddie Lindgren.
The youngsters then had a chance to shine, and Martin Vaculik duly delivered a heat 2 victory ahead of 17 year old Bartosz Zmarzlik who brilliantly held off Gorzow teammate Tomasz Gollob.
A star studded heat 3 produced some exceptional racing, with Jason Crump winning from Chris Holder, who had blasted superbly around Greg Hancock, whilst Russian star Emil Sayfutdinov was left trailing at the back.
Andreas Jonsson then completed the first round of heats with a win, as he charged hard inside Nicki Pedersen on the final bend to snatch 3 points.
After Hancock defeated his fast Tarnow teammate Vaculik in heat 5, Fredrik Lindgren edged a thrilling battle with Chris Holder to bag 3 points.
A win for Nicki Pedersen in heat 7 was followed by controversy, as Jason Crump was harshly excluded for a clash with Antonio Linback, before the Swede duly won the rerun ahead of Danes Andersen and Bjerre.
Andersen then grabbed an unlikely triumph in his third ride, crossing the line ahead of Sayfutdinov and the sluggish Gollob, before an absolute cracker in heat 10.
Lindgren-Heat 10 Cracker
Despite finding himself at the back early on, Freddie Lindgren fought his way past Crump and Pedersen on the second bend of lap 2, before hunting down Vaculik and diving past the debutant at the end of that second lap to move onto a superb 8 points.
The inconsistent Peter Ljung took his second race win in heat 13 ahead of Zmarzlik, whilst Jason Crump’s semi-final hopes were ended as he slumped to a third consecutive last place.A Greg Hancock win moved him onto 7 points, before Zmarzlik continued his superb display to show wonderful composure to win heat 12 from Jonsson and Holder.
Sayfutdinov prevailed in an eventful heat 14, with Swedes Jonsson and Lindgren coming in second and third place respectively, whilst the quick Holder and Vaculik crossed the line in first and second next time out.
The sizeable Gorzow crowd were then sent into raptures as their home favourite Gollob reignited his semi final chances by winning heat 16 and moving onto 6 points entering the final set of rides.
With one ride each remaining, it was all still to play for, and Chris Holder moved onto 11 points with a triumph in heat 17, whilst a third place for Nicki Pedersen saw him miss out on the semis on only 7 points.
Hancock and Lindgren then moved into the semis with 1st and 2nd in heat 18, whilst 8 points was still enough for Zmarzlik despite a last place in that race. However, the move which saw Lindgren blast into second saw Hans Andersen relegated to third, and as a result the Dane just missed out on 7 points.
Gollob-Recovery From Poor Start
A battle of former world champions gave Gollob a passage to the semi finals as he held onto the lead after a lap 3 overtake on Crump,whilst Jonsson ensured his progression with third place.
The final semi final spots were wrapped up by Vaculik and Sayfutdinov, with the top two spots in the final heat of the night for those two riders.
Bartosz Zmarzlik again kept his cool and showed impeccable composure despite his young age to take the chequered flag in the first semi final, whilst Sayfutdinov just could not pass Holder to move into second. It was a miserable semi final for World Champion and series leader Greg Hancock, as a third lap engine failure ended his bid for Gorzow victory.
The penultimate race of the meeting saw Freddie Lindgren make the start, but after the Swede was quickly relegated to the back, it was up to another home favourite to step up to the plate, with Tomasz Gollob completing his turn around to lead home Martim Vaclik and qualify for the final.
Yet anther cracking Grand Prix was concluded with an epic final. With Martin Vaculik racing clear, the action lay behind, with Bartosz Zmarzlik and Chris Holder trading places until the Aussie eventually prevailed over the teenager.
Zmarzlik-Teenage Stunner
It really was a stunning Grand Prix full of surprises, epitomised by the victory from Martin Vaculik on his debut at the highest level. Perhaps even more of a shock was the rostrum finish of Bartosz Zmarzlik at the age of just 17, whilst the failure of Jason Crump and Nicki Pedersen to make the semi finals was also unexpected.
The meeting leaves Greg Hancock still at the top of the standings, and he now holds a 9 point lead over Jason Crump and Chris Holder, who moves level on points with his fellow Aussie after a 17 point haul.
Former World Champion Nicki Pedersen remains in touching distance in fourth, whilst Tomasz Gollob now holds a slender 1 point lead over Freddie Lindgren in 5th.
At the bottom, Kenneth Bjerre and Brit Chris Harris continue to disappoint, and they now lie rooted to the bottom of the standings on 28 points a piece.
Holder-Very Good Night
1. Peter Ljung (Sweden) – 3 , 1 , 0 , 3 , 0 = 7
2. Freddie Lindgren (Sweden) – 2 , 3 , 3 , 1 , 2 , 0 = 11
3. Chris Harris (GB) – 0 , R , 1 , EF , 0 = 1
4. Antonio Lindback (Sweden) – 1 , 3 , 0 , 1 , 1 = 6
5. Martin Vaculik (Slovakia) – 3 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 3 , 2 , 6 = 20
6. Tomasz Gollob (Poland) – 1 , 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 0 = 12
7. Bartosz Zmarzlik (Poland) – 2 , 1 , 3 , 2 , 0 , 3 , 2 = 13
8. Kenneth Bjerre (Denmark) – 0 , 1 , 0 , 0 , 2 = 3
9. Greg Hancock (USA) – 1 , 3 , 3 , 2 , 3 , R = 12
10. Chris Holder (Australia) – 2 , 2 , 1 , 3 , 3 , 2 , 4 = 17
11. Emil Sayfutdinov (Russia) – 0 , 2 , 2 , 3 , 2 , 1 = 10
12. Jason Crump (Australia) – 3 , F/X , 0 , 0 , 2 = 5
13. Andreas Jonsson (Sweden) – 3 , 0 , 2 , 2 , 1 , 1 = 9
14. Bjarne Pedersen (Denmark) – 1 , 0 , 2 , 1 , 0 = 4
15. Nicki Pedersen (Denmark) – 2 , 3 , 1 , 0 , 1 = 7
16. Hans Andersen (Denmark) – 0 , 2 , 3 , 1 , 1 = 7
17. Piotr Pawlicki (Poland) = 0
18. Przemyslaw Pawlicki (Poland) = 0
GRAND PRIX STANDINGS
Hancock-Stretches Series Lead
1. Greg Hancock (USA) – #1 – 87
2. Jason Crump (Aus) – #4 – 78
3. Chris Holder (Aus) – #8 – 78
4. Nicki Pedersen (DK) – #10 – 72
5. Tomasz Gollob (Pol) – #5 – 64
6. Fredrik Lindgren (Swe) – #9 – 63
7. Emil Sayfutdinov (Rus) – #6 – 58
8. Andreas Jonsson (Swe) – #2 – 47
9. Jaroslaw Hampel (Pol) – #3 – 46
10. Antonio Lindback (Swe) – #12 – 40
11. Peter Ljung (Swe) – #14 – 36
12. Bjarne Pedersen (DK) – #13 – 33
13. Hans Andersen (DK) – #15 – 31
14. Kenneth Bjerre (DK) – #7 – 28
15. Chris Harris (GBR) – #11 – 28
source: www.speedwaygp.com
Images Copyright Sandra Davidsson (www.speedway-sasha.se) and Wojta Zavril (www.wojta-foto.cz)
Tai Woffinden Interview
The highest averaging British rider in the Elite League, a 2010 full-time Grand Prix rider, Wolverhampton Wolves captain in 2010 at the age of just 19, and a 2009 Elite League winner. All this at the age of just 21. It has certainly been a meteoric rise to stardom for young Tai Woffinden, and on Monday I caught up with the Wolves, Wroclaw and Great Britain star to discuss his action-packed career which has seen him establish himself as one of the brightest talents in the speedway world.
You were born in Scunthorpe but grew up in Perth, Australia. How old were you when you began riding, and did you know straight away speedway was what you wanted to do with your life?
I rode motocross first, but then I was at my mates house one day because he had a track in his garden, and I saw some speedway bikes while we were washing the motocross bikes down, and I just thought, yes I want to have a go at that. I did and I really enjoyed it. My Dad wasn’t too keen at first, but then he bought me a bike when I was about 12, and it all started there.
In 2006 Wolves won the race to sign you as an asset, just how many clubs were in that race to get you signature, and what made you choose Wolves?
Almost all of them were interested to be honest. I had chats with all of the clubs, and Wolves seemed like the nicest and the straightest people. I am so happy that I signed here because it has been awesome riding for Wolves.
You started your British League career with Scunthorpe, how important was that spell in the lower leagues in giving you experience for the rest of your career?
It was definitely really important, it helped a lot with my confidence as well, when I first raced over here, my first meeting was against the USA Dream Team and I had a pretty good night, and it has just all escalated from there to where I am now, so I am pretty happy.
Your first taste of Elite League action came as a doubling-up rider with Poole back in 2008, how did you find the top tier at first?
It was tough, but that was where I needed to be to keep progressing, and it’s just continued from there. Every time I ride I learn something new.
Obviously your first season with Wolves came in 2009. You had a great season and ended up winning the Elite League. Were you a little bit surprised yourself at just how well you did?
A little bit, it’s a bit 50/50 because in 2 years I went from just being no one to someone. I knew that I could do it, but sometimes it was a bit tough, but like I said one thing led to another and the season ended up being really successful.
In 2010, you received a wildcard for the Grand Prix series, how did you find that experience?
It was probably a bit too early for me really with everything that happened with my Dad. I just got on with it, I had a tough year. I was getting my ass kicked in the GP’s, and it was having a knock on effect on my league racing, so it was a hard year. To be honest I have always done alright in England, so the UK has always been a bit of a confidence booster, and I always try and take that on to Sweden, Poland and the World Cup.
You broke you shoulder mid-way through last season riding your BMX, and at around the same time this year you find yourself on the injury list with a wrist problem. How frustrating is it to be on good form and then have that interrupted by injury?
Yes it rubbish really, but that’s life, and I wouldn’t change anything I do. I wouldn’t stop riding my motocross bike, my BMX bike, my jet ski, that’s just my life, and if people don’t like it then they will have to get used to it, and whatever will be will be.
You still got a ride in the British Grand Prix though, coming out as track reserve after someone broke through the tapes. I was there at the Millennium Stadium, and the roof came off when you led that race for a while before eventually taking second, that must have been awesome, right?
It was 50/50 because I only came 2nd and I was in 1st! You just get on with it though, it was good and the atmosphere was electric as it always is at Cardiff, and hopefully I can do well in the British Championship this year and get the full wildcard.
You have already had experience in 4 world cups with Great Britain, how does it feel to be able to represent your country like that?
It’s definitely a massive honour. When you put that Great Britain race jacket on, I think every rider no matter what country they are riding for is proud. I am really looking forward to the World Cup this year, hopefully I can ride. I have a scan on the 26th June to see what’s going on with my wrist now, and I will know exactly at 12:00 on the 16th what’s happening with the rest of my year.
How have you felt about 2012 so far before you got injured? Obviously you were riding really well, but Wolves were struggling. It must have been mixed feelings?
Yes, the boys have definitely got the capability, it just depends on who has got the desire. They are all fighting hard, but it just hasn’t come together so far. I know the team will just keep plugging away, and hopefully I will be back soon to try and help Wolves by scoring lots of points.
What would you say is the best moment of your career so far?
I don’t know, I have already had too many.
How do you find the speedway lifestyle of travelling around so much? It must be pretty tough at times?
Yes, sometimes it’s hard, but it has its good things and its bad. That’s just the way it is, and every rider knows that, and everyone enjoys it.
Obviously you have ridden across the globe, but which league would you say is the toughest?
Definitely Poland, it’s by far the hardest.
What are you hoping to do once you get back from injury? What are your aims from the rest of the season?
Just go out there and win races.
Wells: “Really Good Result”
Flying Wolves reserve Ricky Wells was delighted to see his Wolves team come out on top to grab a 51-42 home win over Belle Vue. “It was a really good result, Belle Vue scared us a little in the middle of the meeting, but we regrouped and made sure we won the meeting, so that was great”.
Californian Ace Wells again performed superbly, adding 12+3, and he was pretty pleased with his night. “I did OK, it was kind of a bad way to end the night with a last place, but it was a long night, and if I can just keep the momentum on this week now and have a good one for Sheffield then I will be pleased”.
Wells, who doubles up with Sheffield in the Premier League, is now looking to improve his lower league scorers to partner his wonderful Elite League displays.“At Wolves things are definitely going good, but I am really disappointed with my Premier League stuff at the moment. I just have to keep going and stick at it and hopefully that will come good”.
With his average rocketing, Ricky is likely to be in the main body of the team very soon, but Wells admits he is not fazed by the move up. “It’s good but it’s just a number, it’s a little bit tougher of course you don’t get heat 2 of course, but I don’t want to be a reserve for the rest of my career so lets get it going”.
Finally, the World Cup is just around the corner, and with the USA making a return to the competition, Wells is relishing his shot at the world stage. “It’s going to be a big weekend, all the boys are ready for it, we fly out the Friday to Poland, it’s a tough round of course but everyone is up for it. We got the World Champion in the side Greg Hancock, past World Champion Billy Hammil and Fisher and Ingalls to I think. We are all up for it, we know it is going to be tough, but we’ll give it our best shot and see what happens”.
