British duo retained in GPs

Harris, Nicholls handed permanent wildcards

Last updated: 7th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

British duo retained in GPs

Nicholls: Dual finalist in '08

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Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris have retained their places in the Grand Prix Series for 2009 after the four permanent wild card riders were named on Friday.

The British pair will be joined by Sweden's Fredrick Lindgren and Russian Emil Sajfutdinov in the 15-man list, with one further 'event' wild card to be added to each Grand Prix.

"This year Scott made two finals and only just finished outside the top eight and an automatic qualification for the 2009 Series," said Paul Bellamy, Managing Director of promoters BSI Speedway.

"But his performances have shown he still has the commitment and drive to be world champion.

"Chris, a Grand Prix winner in 2007, knows he needs to prove he is world class next year following a disappointing 2008 campaign but we all know that he has the ability to be a great rider.

"The riders chosen as the permanent wild cards reflect the experience and emerging talent of speedway riders in the world.

"Russia's Emil Sajfutdinov is one of the sport's hottest prospects at the moment and will be an exciting addition to the Series.

"At 19 years old he will be the youngest permanent rider in the 2009 Series and already has an unprecedented two World Under-21 titles under his belt that underlines his flair and aptitude for the sport.

"Sweden's Fredrick Lindgren, who at 23 was the youngest rider in this year's series, has shown great maturity and ability in his first season as a Grand Prix rider and is also widely recognised across Europe as one of the sport's rising stars."

Full list:

1.Nicki Pedersen (Den)
2.Jason Crump (Aus)
3.Tomasz Gollob (Pol)
4.Greg Hancock (US)
5.Hans Andersen (Den)
6.Leigh Adams (Aus)
7.Andreas Jonsson (Swe)
8.Rune Holta (Pol)
9.Scott Nicholls (GB)
10.Fredrick Lindgren (Swe)
11.Chris Harris (GB)
12.Kenneth Bjerre (Den)
13.Greg Walasek (Pol)
14.Sebastian Ulamek (Pol)
15.Emil Sajfutdinov (Rus)
16.Event wildcard

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Comments (3)

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Andrew Farrar says...

Yet another charity nomination for the begging global superstar. When will the chill wind of reality bite for this serial failure? He's had SIXTY-EIGHT GPs and hasn't won a single one. And that's a record, as, in all probability, is his record of successfully begging for a place after a season of failure. It's a joke and not a funny one.

Posted 14:29 25th November 2008

Paul Richardson says...

No surprise about Nicholls as he deserves a spot, but Harris has been a lucky boy. He is still living off the back of his Cardiff win and was distinctly average at best last season. Chris Holder would have been a more exciting inclusion.

Posted 11:08 19th November 2008

David Marsh says...

Harris only in because hes a brit terrible season for him b pedersen missed gps injured and unfairly ex at cardiff but not a brit

Posted 18:43 7th November 2008
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