The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Great GB debut for Panthers number one
British champion Charles Wright enjoyed a terrific Great Britain debut.
The Peterborough Panthers number one was part of the national side which beat Denmark 53-37 in a ‘Global Challenge’ meeting at King’s Lynn.
Wright reeled off three victories from four rides as he racked up 10 points.
Wright’s exploits helped to ensure a winning start as Great Britain bosses for two former Panthers riders – Simon Stead and Olly Allen.
Wright said: “I’m pretty happy with the way it went. It was good to be part of the set-up, the Great Britain team is very positive.
“Obviously you want to do well for your country.
“This has been a bit of a breakthrough year for me so a GB call-up is another milestone.
“But I’d like to think I can now make a push to make the Speedway of Nations side and gain a regular test match place.
“I’ll need to kick on next season and make more progress but I believe I can do that. It’s been a good year and it can definitely keep getting better.
“Getting a place in the Great Britain team rounds off a dream year for me really.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way it has gone.
“Obviously winning the British Championship was a massive moment for me, I think everyone’s opinion of my ability changed that night.
“It’s what my career desperately needed. It was a proper shot in the arm for me to prove to everyone what I can do.
“Then getting the chance to race in the British Grand Prix was huge as well. Now I’m massively proud to race for my country.”
Wright is adamant though he wants to be more than just a big meeting ‘tourist’.
He knows he must use this form as a springboard for greater things.
He added: “I’m not here just for the ride. I don’t want to be regarded a one-hit wonder in the British Final.
“Now I need to go to the next level.”
Panthers captain Hans Andersen was part of the Danish team and scored four points from four rides courtesy of second place finishes in his second and third outings.
Niels Iversen, who lives in Yaxley, was the highestscoring Dane with 11 points and he also retired from one race when leading.