BRITISH SPEEDWAY: WOFFINDEN LATEST

(SPEEDWAY 1)

WOFFINDEN LATEST

TAI Woffinden’s wife Faye and mother Sue have shared an update on his condition as he remains in hospital in Poland after his crash last weekend.

They have confirmed Woffinden has undergone multiple major surgeries and have paid heartfelt tribute to doctors and medical staff, including their vital response before and during his helicopter flight to Rzeszow.
The statement reads: “Our brave boy is here with us! Fighting, healing, and resting.
“Tai has been through more than we can even begin to imagine. Multiple broken bones, major surgeries, blood transfusions – his body has endured so much.

“And yet, his spirit stays strong. So does our hope. We’re holding on tightly, believing that each day will bring more healing, more strength, and more of him back to us.
“Anyone who knows Tai knows how open, honest, and full of life he is. When he’s ready, he’ll share his story in his own way. But right now, his only job is to rest, to heal, and to find the strength to get through this.
“The love, kindness, and support we’ve received from all of you has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way. There truly aren’t words to express how deeply grateful we are.

“While we hesitate to name individuals for fear of missing anyone, we want to extend our deepest thanks to those who played a part in saving Tai.
“To the special person we cannot name, who played a crucial role in getting the helicopter to the track, and to the medical team inside who cared for Tai before he even reached the hospital – you gave him a fighting chance, and we will never forget that.

“To Dr. Pawel Jasinski, for organizing every surgery and ensuring Tai has the best possible team. To Rafal Roger Piatek, who has not only been by Tai’s side but also ours through it all. To Basia Karczewska, for her constant support and kindness.
“To the incredible doctors and medical team in Rzeszów. To the Stal Rzeszów team, especially Pawel Piskorz and Michal Drymajlo your unwavering support means everything.

“To our family, our friends, and every single person who has reached out, offered help, or simply held us in their thoughts – thank you. From the bottom of our hearts.
“Your love has carried us through the darkest moments. We will never forget it.”

 (SPEEDWAY 2)

WORKINGTON stage the opening event of the Championship Big Weekend today (Saturday, 3pm) with all nine teams competing in the Pairs at the GT Tyres Arena.
It’s set to be a spectacular event with Redcar the defending champions and represented by Charles Wright, who was one of half of their successful combination last year and is joined by Erik Riss.

The home side have an all-Australian combination of Troy Batchelor and Tate Zischke, whilst former Comets racer Nicolai Klindt makes his first appearance at the venue in the colours of Plymouth.
Edinburgh have made a late change to their line-up with Paco Castagna ruled out due to an elbow injury after a crash last night, and he is replaced by Kye Thomson.

Workington promoter Andrew Bain said: “To host such a prestigious event on behalf of BSPL is a great honour, particularly as this is only our second season of operating at this level of the sport.
“I would like to think it’s a suitable reward for all the hard work and dedication that’s gone into turning the former training track here into what is now recognised as one of the best racetracks in the country.

“While some might suggest our Australian duo have some home track advantage, I firmly believe the fairness of the circuit offers every competitor on view today the opportunity to showcase their capabilities, with most having experienced good performances here at the Arena last season.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

REDCAR boss Gavin Parr believes his side have every chance of making it three Pairs wins in four years at the start of the Championship Big Weekend.
The Bears are defending holders at Workington today (Saturday) and are represented by Charles Wright – a winner for the club in both 2022 and 2024 – along with Erik Riss.

And the Teesside outfit are set to be roared on by significant travelling support including a full 53-seat busload organised by their Supporters’ Club.
Parr said: “It’s so important to avoid 7-2 results and not have any last places. It’s no use having one rider going unbeaten so I will be reminding the boys of that.

“Also, you’ve got to remember that second and third place is better than winning the race, so we will be emphasising that to Erik as it’s his first Pairs event for the Bears.
“We have as good a chance as anybody, but there are some really good sides racing. Glasgow will be a threat, as will Workington on home shale. Also Plymouth, with Nicolai Klindt and Ben Barker are dark horses for the event.”

(SPEEDWAY 4)

POOLE winter signing Lewis Kerr is keen to mark his first appearance of 2025 by bringing yet more silverware to Wimborne Road.
Kerr teams up with club captain Zach Cook in today’s (Saturday) Championship Pairs at Workington, a competition the Pirates have yet to win since they returned to the second tier four years ago.

However, Kerr did taste success in the event whilst in the colours of Redcar in 2022 when he was victorious alongside Charles Wright at Oxford – beating Poole in the Final!
He said: “I enjoy the Pairs, and it is at a track that I really like and can do good there. I just want to win trophies with Poole.”

(SPEEDWAY 5)

WORKINGTON favourite Tate Zischke is targeting a positive start to the season – starting in today’s (Saturday) Championship Pairs on his home track.
Zischke was a huge success in his debut UK campaign last year until serious injury in early July brought his campaign to a sudden halt.

Back in Cumbria this season, the young Australian will team up with skipper Troy Batchelor in today’s showpiece event as the Comets bid for a seventh triumph overall.
Zischke said: “I’m just looking into the future and yes, my body and everything is feeling 100 per cent back to normal.
“I just want to get back into it, I was sort of on a high when I crashed last year and hopefully pick up where I left off.
“But yes, I’m just looking forward to it and hopefully we can start the season well and just get better as the season gets on also.”

(SPEEDWAY 6)

GLASGOW took the honours in the first clash of 2025 with local rivals Edinburgh thanks to a 47-43 Scottish Cup triumph at Armadale.
The Tigers won the first leg in a last heat decider with skipper Chris Harris passing Justin Sedgmen for the race victory whilst Dan Thompson collected third place.

Thompson had won his opening four rides as he ended a brilliant debut with 13 points whilst Harris collected 12+1 and Kyle Howarth scored 10.
Returning Monarchs racer Victor Palovaara picked up 10+2 at reserve with Kye Thomson on 10+1 and Justin Sedgmen on 10 for the home side.

Tigers boss Cami Brown said: “I’m ecstatic. It’s a really strong opening win for the boys.
“Dan was sensational all night with four straight wins and Chris is always outstanding. But Kyle Howarth was also excellent from start to finish.
“I have to give a special mention for young Max Perry who produced several crucial battling rides to get important points for us.

“We had to dig in a bit at times, but we got stronger in the latter stages bigtime. I was delighted with the team spirit as well, a really great start.”
Edinburgh newcomer Jonatan Grahn (5+1) said: “It’s a good start but I want more points and more race wins. Once I get more laps I will get better and better.
“It was very cold, but I felt my set-up was good. I know Ashfield is a bigger track and I think we can go there and do well next week.”

(FIXTURES)

SATURDAY APRIL 5:
CHAMPIONSHIP BIG WEEKEND
CHAMPIONSHIP PAIRS: Workington 3pm

SUNDAY APRIL 6:
CHAMPIONSHIP BIG WEEKEND
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Scunthorpe 3pm

MONDAY APRIL 7:
ROWE MOTOR OIL PREMIERSHIP R1: Belle Vue (46) v King’s Lynn (44) 7.30, Birmingham v Ipswich 7.30