stratton Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 After this weekend i had to reflect on how wrong i have been about Tai,i have always thought Tai was a very talented rider but the last two years his progress and momentum has been staggering.He deserves everything he gets and the frightening thing is how many championships can he win? he could be in the mix for the next decade if he wants to.Have to say that the win in the Final on Saturday was one of the best rides i have ever seen i was wrong i just wonder how many of you were wrong as well?.I have had a bet on Ward/ Puk against the field in the WC but i hope Tai retains the title. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudtobeaBrummie Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 He will only win a couple more then he will have to drop down a step on the rostrum and make way for ruthless robert lambert..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSmiler Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 I agree. A lot of us wondered if he was a fluke last year, especially with his worrying scores for Wolves before the GPs started. But he's just unstoppable. I feel he's got a bit of a Crump in him and will win a fair few championships Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike.Butler Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 i was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Turner Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 I publically said many times before that Tai Woffinden would never be a world class rider, I even said to myself he only won the world championship because he didn't have much competition. How wrong was I? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BANANAMAN Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 Adam Vickers, on 17 Jun 2014 - 2:10 PM, said:I agree. A lot of us wondered if he was a fluke last year, especially with his worrying scores for Wolves before the GPs started. But he's just unstoppable. I feel he's got a bit of a Crump in him and will win a fair few championships I saw him race as a guest for Coventry a few seasons ago , he had a titanic battle with Leigh Adams , took a couple of risks that you would not expect from a guest rider ... BRILLIANT ... That's when I knew ..told the blokes next to me & they laughed !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starman2006 Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 (edited) Got to say, when he came to poole backend two year ago, that was the best id seen him ride, but even i couldn't forsee the improvement he's made beyond that, He's taken even that to another level. Got to take your hat off to the lad, he's done good, his father would be very very proud of him.. Edited June 17, 2014 by Starman2006 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratton Posted June 17, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 Got to say, when he came to poole backend two year ago, that was the best id seen him ride, but even i couldn't forsee the improvement he's made beyond that, He's taken even that to another level. Got to take your hat off to the lad, he's done good, his father would be very very proud of him..Great post his dad was an exciting rider, and yes he would be proud of his lad a great ambassador for our sport as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve0 Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 Up until last season I thought Tai was an ok rider but had reached his level and as he admitted was on the brink of giving up and going in a different direction. What he did instead was change his fitness regime and some other things and really upped his game. He rode through the pain barrier several times and showed superhuman determination to succeed - and he did it - and deserved it! Since becoming world champion, he has a high media profile - I haven't really seen this by other world champions. He also does a serious amount for charity. He doesn't come across as big headed as some have said but a lad who is at the top of his game - for which you need the right mindset. He comes across as a thoroughly decent person. He deserves his success and I don't begrudge him his success one bit. What a transformation - in more ways than one. The only minor issue I have are his tattoos - I'm not a fan of ink but that is his choice and not mine. I wish success for many years to come so he can retire back to Oz and enjoy the fruits of his labours! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OGT Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 Ever since I saw Tai's first race at Perry Barr in 2007, when he flew clean over the back straight fence, I knew he was super, man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted June 17, 2014 Report Share Posted June 17, 2014 Me - to answer the question posed in the Original Post. I believe that Tai has turned in to a wonderful advertisement for our Sport. For me there are far too many things wrong with Speedway these days. What Tai has done is to provide a really bright star in a rather dull firmament. He has turned in to a magnificent Rider and Communicator for Speedway. I wish him the very best of luck for the future and many more World Championships. I must admit to being a Fan of Tai - I did not used to be - he has proved me wrong. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 Me, I didn't think he should be in the GP series last year which goes to show I know eff all. It would be good to know who made the decision to put him in as despite all the criticism of the GP series there are clearly some people involved who really know their business. I saw a lot of Tai when he was first over here and although he clearly had some ability I was never a fan and thought he would end up an EL second string. I was never a fan of his attitude either but the way he has conducted himself the past couple of years has really impressed me. A very worthy World Champion and it seems likely there are more to come. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pedaler Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 I believe that Tai has turned in to a wonderful advertisement for our Sport. He's a world class rider OK, and as long as he keeps his helmet on he's fine. But with all those tattoos and facial / body mutilations, and more of those planned in the future, you really think that he's a great advertisement for the sport? You'd send him to open a school fete would you? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sotonian Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 Me 100%. Like others, I didn't feel he justified a place in the GP's originally. Now he looks more likely to become a multi-time World Champ. Compared to him, Darcy Ward seems to be going backwards or maybe treading water at best. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ch958 Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 He's a world class rider OK, and as long as he keeps his helmet on he's fine. But with all those tattoos and facial / body mutilations, and more of those planned in the future, you really think that he's a great advertisement for the sport? You'd send him to open a school fete would you? i'm not a fan of tatts - especially not on the face/neck but have a look at all the other youth heroes - he'd look out of place among them if he didn't have them I'm afraid its the way of the world right now - but if you want to pass on careers advice to a kid tell them to be a laser surgeon cos they'll all want rid of them in future!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatface Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 (edited) He's a world class rider OK, and as long as he keeps his helmet on he's fine. But with all those tattoos and facial / body mutilations, and more of those planned in the future, you really think that he's a great advertisement for the sport? You'd send him to open a school fete would you? Not my taste, but I am 40 now and I would rather young people found him cool than he dressed like I do! He looks young, edgy and well in keeping with current fashion. He comes across as eloquent and a charming guy. He's also exciting and British, so I'd say he's actually the perfect package for our World Champion. If Tai Woffinden and say, Kenneth Bjerre or Jarek Hampel went to a School Fete, who do you think would make the biggest impression on the kids? As for the topic, no I didn't see him as World Champion material either. His career seemed to be reaching a plateau 3-4 years ago. But it's obvious to us all now that his progress temporarily stalled due to the failing health of his dad, which must have been a huge strain. Now, he looks like he could go on and win multiple World Titles. If he carries on like he is, he could certainly be making a strong case for being the best British rider ever, I think one of the key parts of his progress has been working on his fitness. I am always surprised at the number of speedway riders who neglect this vital ingredient to being the best. Mauger and Rickardson both took their health and fitness very seriously and look what it did for them. Edited June 18, 2014 by falcace 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grachan Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 The first time I saw Tai ride was at Sheffield. I think he was 16 and he just shot out from the start and flew round there, annihilating all the other reserves. I remember thinking he was brilliant and could be a future World Champion. Then I remember thinking a few years later how it's a shame how he never really lived up to that potential. So I'm not sure if I was right or wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foamfence Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 Me 100%. Like others, I didn't feel he justified a place in the GP's originally. Now he looks more likely to become a multi-time World Champ. Compared to him, Darcy Ward seems to be going backwards or maybe treading water at best. Possibly, but Darcy faces surgery and a long recovery time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Vince Posted June 18, 2014 Popular Post Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 I'd send him to open a school fete without a second thought, he looks exactly like kids expect an action sports hero to. To my mind it would be difficult to find a Champion to represent our sport better, the fact that I'm no fan of facial tattoos or silly ear rings is immaterial. For those of us who think the sport needs to be dragged into this millennium as a genuine extreme sport he looks and behaves the part. He rides on the edge, makes passes and shrugs off injury like it was nothing. For those of us bought up on Boys Own Annuals he has no hint of scandal following him, works hard for charity, has overcome adversity and made no secret that his success can be attributed to knuckling down and working hard. If he comes across as a bit cocky I think he's earned that right and even that will improve with age, he's just a lad remember. His mum must be immensely proud as would his father have been if he could have been here to see it. At this rate I might even end up being a fan! 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BWitcher Posted June 18, 2014 Report Share Posted June 18, 2014 He's a world class rider OK, and as long as he keeps his helmet on he's fine. But with all those tattoos and facial / body mutilations, and more of those planned in the future, you really think that he's a great advertisement for the sport? You'd send him to open a school fete would you? Yes, damn right I would. Indeed he is already actively promoting and visiting many places and guess what? He is damn popular with children. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.