Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix wild card
Great Britain international Craig Cook is on his way to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium for the second straight season after claiming the wild card for the Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix on July 4.
The Belle Vue and Edinburgh rider finished second to World Championship leader Tai Woffinden, who won his third consecutive national title in tonight’s British Championship Final at Wolverhampton.
And with Woffy already in the field for the Welsh capital showcase, Cook earned the right to join the 2013 world champion and Chris Harris in world speedway’s flagship event.
The Cumbrian star dons the famous No.16 race jacket in just under three week’s time, and he pledged to devote every spare moment to practising and reaching top form for one of the biggest nights of his career.
He said: “Cardiff was absolutely unbelievable last year. Before that meeting, I’ll go and practise as much as I can. If I have a free day, I’m going to go and practise.
“When I go to Cardiff, I’m going to go for it. I’m dedicated to this sport. My dedication to the sport is unbelievable. All my sponsors and family are so dedicated, but we’re just not there yet.
“We’re willing to put so much time and effort in and we are going to get there. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.”
Cook could have gone to the Millennium Stadium as British champion. He was a clear leader in the first run of the final. But the action was stopped when Jason Garrity fell at the back, allowing Woffinden to capitalise on a second bite of the cherry in the re-run.
“You win some, you lose some!” Cook sighed. “That’s the way it goes. That’s speedway. Tai got robbed in 2012 and that’s the way it goes unfortunately.
“I was thinking ‘yes! I’m British champion.’ I don’t know what happened, but obviously Jason couldn’t get off the track.
“I put in a good performance and I think I’ve opened a few people’s eyes. I haven’t been in the best of form, but I’m really proud of my efforts.”
Woffinden was elated to retain his British title, but admits he had to refocus after a difficult start to the night in which he finished third behind Garrity and Chris Harris, who missed the cut for the semi-final.
He said: “At the start of the meeting, I wasn’t feeling it. I didn’t feel like I have done all year and I couldn’t get myself in the mood. After my first race, I was sat there thinking ‘what are you doing, man? Sort your stuff out!’ I got there in the end, so I’m happy.
“I felt like I had speed in the first run of the final. But it got re-run and I made a blinder.
“It’s amazing to be back at Wolverhampton. The British fans are amazing. I’ve had the biggest cheer from these people all night. I want to say thanks to everyone at home watching and thanks to my sponsors.”
The track reserves for the Adrian Flux British SGP will be nominated in due course.
Tickets for the biggest night on the world speedway calendar are available online here: http://speedwaygp.seetickets.com/tour/2015-british-fim-speedway-grand-prix.
