A refreshed Tai Woffinden will be looking to raise the roof at the Principality Stadium as he bids to reignite his world championship challenge on Saturday.
The 2017 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series rolls into Cardiff this weekend after its annual summer break – which saw Woffy get even more rest than usual after opting to sit out this year’s World Cup.
While he was busy putting his feet up, a host of the Brit’s title rivals were in action during the week-long competition. And now the double world champion will be looking to take advantage when he takes to the tapes in Wales.
“We’re almost halfway through the championship now and I’m satisfied with where I am,” said the 26-year-old, who sits fifth in the standings ahead of the Adrian Flux British GP.
“It could be better but at the same time it could be worse. I’ve been in worse positions so I’ve got loads to build on – and I can’t wait for Cardiff.”
Woffinden, world champion in 2013 and 2015, would end a 10-year wait for a home winner if he triumphs in the Welsh capital. The former Wolverhampton Wolves rider finished behind Antonio Lindback in last year’s final but would become the first Brit since Chris Harris in 2007 to stand atop the podium if he takes the chequered flag at round six.
Woffy sits 17 points behind joint-series leaders, Australian Jason Doyle and Polish hero Patryk Dudek, with the latter’s fellow countryman and one of his 2017 World Cup winning team-mate’s Maciej Janowski – triumphant at the last GP in Denmark – leading the chasing pack.
‘Magic’, third on 58, is seven clear of Freddie Lindgren – who himself is just three points ahead of home hero Woffinden, the scorer of 11 points last time out.
“It was a tough meeting, but every Grand Prix is,” said the man – who will carry British hopes alongside wildcard Craig Cook on July 22 – of his Danish display on his official website.
“I made a few silly mistakes which cost me points and I know that, but overall I’m pretty happy with the way the meeting went. I felt good on the bike, I was making some good starts and making some moves I was pleased with but then I picked up some unexpected grip a couple of times which threw me off line.
“I’m up to fifth in the championship after that result so I’m still in with a chance of climbing the table and challenging when we get to Melbourne in October.”
Adam Ellis and Josh Bates are the only other Brits who could take to the track on the night. The talented duo are the meeting’s reserves.
