HUCKENBECK'S SPEEDWAY GP SEMI-FINAL SURPRISE

German racer Kai Huckenbeck admits he was “a bit surprised” to storm into his first FIM Speedway Grand Prix semi-final in Croatia as he bids to repeat the feat on his Orlen FIM Speedway GP of Poland – Warsaw debut on Saturday.

Huckenbeck was handed his full-time Speedway GP bow for 2024 after receiving a permanent wild card from the SGP Commission, and he started the year in fine style.

He took his place in the Boll FIM Speedway GP of Croatia semi-finals with 10 race points on April 27 and was even in contention for a final berth, only for Australia’s Jason Doyle to pass him for second spot on the opening lap.

But 11 championship points was a superb start to the season for Germany’s first full-time Speedway GP rider since Martin Smolinski raced in the 2014 series.

Huckenbeck admits he has never worked harder or felt better going into a season and was pleased to see his efforts rewarded. He said: “It has been a tough winter, but the hard work paid off. I felt very comfortable and confident in Croatia. I hope it continues like that.

“I was a bit surprised. If someone had said I would score 10 points in my first five heats, I would have signed up for that!

“I made a small mistake coming out of turn two in the semi-final. I lifted too much down the back straight. I opened the door for Jason, and he took the chance. But I am happy about the result. It’s alright. I was very satisfied in Croatia. My goal was to reach the semis. It would have been nice to get into the final, but a small mistake cost me that spot.”

After going 10 years without a Speedway GP regular to support, German fans were elated with Huckenbeck’s opening-round display. He said: “I got so much positive feedback after the meeting in Croatia. I got so many messages. Everyone was cheering and happy for me. It was a great feeling.”

Now the Bydgoszcz and Rospiggarna rider cannot wait to compete in the Orlen FIM Warsaw Speedway GP in front of over 50,000 fans at PGE Narodowy this Saturday. Huckenbeck looks forward to experiencing an atmosphere like no other in world motorsport.

“It must be crazy!” he said. “I was there as a spectator once before and I really enjoyed it. As a rider, I think it is even better and I am really looking forward to it.”