WOLVERHAMPTON racer Tai Woffinden believes his side's youthful exuberance should give them every chance of retaining their Elite League championship.The Black Country giants have kept Grand Prix star Freddie Lindgren, Danish international Nicolai Klindt, Tyron Proctor, Chris Kerr and Woffinden from last term's play-off final side.
WOLVERHAMPTON racer Tai Woffinden believes his side's youthful exuberance should give them every chance of retaining their Elite League championship.
The Black Country giants have kept Grand Prix star Freddie Lindgren, Danish international Nicolai Klindt, Tyron Proctor, Chris Kerr and Woffinden from last term's play-off final side.
They will be joined by new reserves Joe Haines and Ludvig Lindgren, while Joe Screen covers for Adam Skornicki, who is set to be sidelined until June with a knee injury.
With the exception of 37-year-old Screen, every Wolves rider is under the age of 25. The club also goes into the season without Swedish veteran Peter Karlsson, who has switched to Belle Vue on loan.
Woffinden admits it is difficult to say whether the team's collectively tender age will hamper their efforts to chase the championship. But the 19-year-old Grand Prix newcomer believes the fearlessness of youth could give them an edge when the going gets tough.
He said: “There is nothing wrong with a bit of experience. But sometimes when you have experience and there is a gap to be taken, sometimes riders don't take it.
“We'll have to see how everyone starts off. It's up to the boys whether they want to make the next step and whether they can make the next step. Fingers crossed they can and Wolves can win again.”
Woffinden joined the team on a bargain 4.68 average at the start of last season - half the figure he achieved with Rye House in the Premier League in 2008.
He finished his Elite League debut season with a superb 7.47 figure and his improvement played a huge part in Wolves landing their first league title since 2002.
Poole appear to have bagged the bargain of 2010, with World Under-21 champion Darcy Ward joining them on a 4.56 average.
But Woffinden believes doubling-up teenager Haines, who will also ride for King's Lynn in the second tier, could prove a very useful signing on his 3.31 mark.
He said: “I think Joe could be in the same situation I was a couple of years ago. If he puts in 110 percent, I'm sure he can make it to the top.”
Speedwaygp.com
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