WOFFINDEN TESTIMONIAL PREVIEW
GREAT Britain speedway legend Tai Woffinden stages his Testimonial meeting at Northampton International Shaleway on Saturday (6pm).
Woffinden, who is a three-time individual World Champion, announced his retirement from the sport earlier this season after a number of injury setbacks in recent years.
But his place in the history books is already assured after a sensational career which also saw him race extensively in the UK, most frequently in the colours of Wolverhampton with whom he won the league title in 2009 and 2016.
The Foxes are represented in the meeting by Kye Thomson and Luke Harrison, although injury rules Jaimon Lidsey out of a planned appearance.
The line-up includes several riders who have starred at the Shaleway this season, including the ultra-spectacular Josh Pickering, Grand Prix star Max Fricke and teenage sensation Cooper Rushen.
Riders compete over a 20-heat format with a Final for the top four scorers, whilst additional attractions include trials champion Alexz Wigg, nephew of the great Simon, and drifting legend JoJo McDonald.
In addition, there will be face painting, a bouncy castle and a fireworks display, plus Woffinden will be revealing details of his next project.
Northampton co-promoter Paul Hunsdon said: “We expect this to be a fantastic event in front of by far the biggest crowd we’ve seen so far at the Shaleway.
“We’re very proud and honoured to be hosting the meeting on Tai’s behalf. He looked around a number of tracks and was so impressed by what we can offer at Northampton in terms of facilities, so he’s gone for here.
“We’ve sold well over 3,000 tickets already and pay on the day will be available for fans who haven’t bought their tickets yet.
“The weather is set fair so it should be a great evening of entertainment, starting at 6pm.”
Gates open at 4pm (car park opens 3pm) and supporters are asked not to arrive before that time due to traffic restrictions. All relevant information can be found at https://northampton-speedway.com/latest-news/xtt8abspdmszqcpokvbwil8xsh2vcs .
LINE-UP: Joe Thompson, Danny King, Sam Masters, Tom Brennan, Kye Thomson, Scott Nicholls, Cooper Rushen, Zach Cook, Max Fricke, Tate Zischke, Justin Sedgmen, Anders Rowe, Josh Pickering, Slater Lightcap, Nick Morris, Luke Harrison. Reserves: Harry Fletcher, Charlie Southwick.