Tai Woffinden agrees new Wolverhampton deal

Tai Woffinden has agreed a new deal with Wolverhampton – but admits it almost never happened.

The world champion, currently away on a skiing trip, finalised terms with Wolves owner Chris Van Straaten after weeks of negotiations. But he says it wasn't the financial side of the deal which held things up.

"When the promoters met and expanded the fixture list for next season it caused me a massive headache," he said.

"And it did look like I would miss out on British Speedway for a while. I was gutted about it, because I know what the reaction would have been.

"But I'm delighted to have everything finalised and I'm looking forward to the new season and it's a great feeling to be back with Wolverhampton.

"My training is going well, I'm doing a lot of physical work at high altitude and it's great to be out here in the alps on this trip.

"I'm feeling stronger and stronger and I'm going to be fitter than ever when the season starts."

Van Straaten said: "I'm relieved and delighted to have Tai back with us for next season. It's fabulous news for Wolverhampton and British speedway in general to have the world champion riding here.

"It's taken a little longer than I would have liked because, naturally, Tai has a lot on his plate and lots to consider.

"He is also looking at the best way to make maximum use of the fact that is is world champion and early in the new year we will also be looking to bring in some sponsorship to help with his British racing.

"It's a massive plus for us to have the best rider in the world at Wolverhampton and I am delighted we have been able to make it happen.

"He was pivotal to our team plans; we knew the signing of Tai would dictate which way our team building would go and we now know what we are left with for the last two places.

"I'm confident we can have the team finalised in the next couple of days and we are in for an exciting season, I'm sure."