JAREK Hampel is hoping to prove he is not the forgotten man with an impressive performance in tonight's European Grand Priz in Leszno.The Evening Star Witches rider is the wild card entry for the meeting, after he missed out on a permanent place in the GP because of injury last season.
Mike Bacon
JAREK Hampel is hoping to prove he is not the forgotten man with an impressive performance in tonight's European Grand Priz in Leszno.
The Evening Star Witches rider is the wild card entry for the meeting, after he missed out on a permanent place in the GP because of injury last season.
But tonight in his native Poland, Hampel has every opportunity to show the speedway world he is very much alive and kicking and deserves his GP place back.
“I want to get into the final to show people I am not invisible,” said Hampel.
“I need everyone to see me, to know I am still around, people can easily forget you. This is my chance. I have prepared the very best equipment and I feel very confident. The track is one I like and I'm hoping for a good night.”
Tomasz Gollob won the first GP of this season in Slovenia two weeks ago and he will start among the favourites, along with Leigh Adams, who has ridden for the Leszno club for 12 years.
Nicki Pedersen has been banging in some big scores in Poland and is sure to be among the top men, while Hampel will start in gate four on the outside of Jason Crump in the pairs' first ride.
The action starts at 6pm and is being shown live on Sky Sports 2.
Meanwhile, Johnston has added two of the world's best young riders to his testimonial line- up - British Under-21 Champion Tai Woffinden and Australian champion Chris Holder.
The meeting for the current Ipswich Evening Star Witches skipper takes place at Coventry on Sunday June 22 (start 1pm).
Other confirmed starters are Leigh Adams, Scott Nicholls and Jason Crump.
Elsewhere Mildenhall have swooped to sign Belle Vue's Young Pole Michal Rajkowki after the Elite League club axed him from their side on Wednesday night following a home defeat against Eastbourne.
IPSWICH Evening Star Witches Elite League clash at Wolverhampton on Monday, May 19, is being shown live on Sky Sports 1, 7.30pm
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