9:20am Saturday 10th May 2008
LEIGH Adams is determined not to become the Colin Montgomerie of speedway as he steps up his bid to capture that elusive world title, writes ANDY CRYER.
Robins' captain marvel enjoys home advantage for tonight's second Grand Prix of the season, hosted at his Polish club Leszno, and knows points are vital after an opening day disaster.
Scot Montgomerie has been plagued with the tag of the best golfer never to have won a major' and the world class Adams admits he fears his own speedway career will be remembered in a similar way until he finally lifts the title.
While Adams' start to the Grand Prix series in Slovenia a fortnight ago was one to forget, picking up just five points, defending champion Nicki Pederson was enjoying a better evening, taking second behind Tomasz Gollob.
Swindon's Australian though believes things can be different this time round as he start his title assault in earnest.
He said: "Grand Prix starts now for me. We will forget about the first one and just get on with it.
"We would not like to be the best rider never to win a world championship. We want to go there and win and it is still early days.
"There are plenty more points there to be had. Everyone will be travelling to Poland thinking they have a good chance and I am no different."
Adams' Grand Prix record is nothing to be sniffed at over the last decade, finishing in the top five for the last seven years, including last year's second-place finish.
But at the age of 37, the Mildura-born slider knows time is running out to get the world championship monkey off his back' - although confidence is one thing he is not short of.
He said: "I have to believe I have a good chance to win it this year without a doubt, that is why I am there.
"I would not be there if I didn't believe that. But as I say I am not taking anything for granted.
"Everyone is expecting something special because I have this great home track advantage.
"But it is not like that at all. This is a grand prix and everyone will start with even chances.
"They all want to win so so we will go with an open mind, get some engines going and see what we can come up with.
"We are not taking anything for granted just because it is my home track and we will see what happens.
"A couple of days off will help me recharge the batteries and I will try and make a big one in Leszno."
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk