SPEEDWAY: Fresh start can put it all Wright for James (From Swindon Advertiser)

SPEEDWAY: Fresh start can put it all Wright for James

9:52am Thursday 29th May 2008 in

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JAMES Wright admits it is back to the drawing board' as he looks to lift the current gloom and shine among Britain's best at Blunsdon this evening.

Swindon's youngster is entering tonight's prestigious British final on the back of a forgettable last couple of weeks and knows things have to change to make his mark on the national arena.

Top finisher, excluding Scott Nicholls and Chris Bomber' Harris, in tonight's blue-riband event at the Abbey Stadium will earn a place in the British Grand Prix in Cardiff in June.

Wright admits it would take a huge turn in fortune to challenge for that wildcard berth but, with home track advantage, insisted he would be ready to give it his best shot.

He said: "I am struggling and I don't know why I am struggling at the moment. I just got my engine back but it is still not working.

"It is back to the drawing board because it is disappointing for the team and for me personally. I need a kick up the backside.

"This is not particularly the form I want to go into the British championship in and it is going to be hard to know what to do next week.

"My form has been dropping the last few weeks and somehow I need to pull something out big next week. I have been trying out the bike and we will just see what happens. I still believe I could surprise a few people."

Wright has more or less maintained his green sheet average since joining Swindon, starting the season on 4.73 and dropping marginally to 4.67 when the new figures kick in next week.

"I'm not riding abroad at the moment so a week is a long time to let it stew," he said.

"I practiced on Monday at Workington, a big track and similar to Swindon, and I have chosen my best bike.

"Then I worked on it from 10am to 7am on Tuesday and I am confident I have sussed out the ignition problem - not just for Thursday but for the future as well.

"I think I am a better rider than I was when winning the Premier League Riders' Championship at Swindon in February, but it is hard to prove it.

"I am just going to go out and enjoy it on Thursday and if it happens, it happens."

Alun Rossiter admitted Wright's display in the home defeat to Poole on Thursday was disappointing but also insisted he could enjoy a good evening of racing.

He said: "He was not the only one who did not do too well against Poole. He has to forget that and show what he can do.

"This is a great opportunity for him and I believe he can get in the top five."