SPEEDWAY: Mechanic backs Robins new boy to be a star (From Swindon Advertiser)

SPEEDWAY: Mechanic backs Robins new boy to be a star

9:35am Saturday 7th June 2008 in Sport By Gareth Moorhouse

ROBINS' latest recruit Manuel Hauzinger has the natural talent to become a Grand Prix rider within the next five years.

That's the opinion of Swindon-born Malcolm Uzzell, who has been Hauzinger's mechanic since 2006.

Malcolm, who is the son of former Swindon mechanic Mark Uzzell, believes the five-time Austrian champion can use his spell with the Robins to propel himself onto the world stage.

Hauzinger makes his Blunsdon bow on Thursday in the home meeting against Eastbourne Eagles, and Uzzell is backing his man to deliver the goods in place of the axed Theo Pijper.

He said: "It's exciting for Manuel to be able to ride in the Elite League and to show the world what he can do.

"In the next five years I expect him to be a Grand Prix rider.

"The only thing stopping him is the money because speedway is so small in Austria. There are only 10 meetings a year so it is very hard to find sponsorship.

"Financially, riding in the Elite League will benefit him because his sponsors will get some coverage on Sky Sports."

Uzzell has warned Robins fans not to expect too much from Hauzinger from his opening few rides, but the mechanic maintains the Austrian will pull his weight.

He describes him as an "all-action racer", and one who is likely to thrill the crowds with his swashbuckling style.

"Manuel is a great rider to watch and he can also gate well, said Uzzell.

"He will score points, but don't expect 10-point hauls straight away. He is not Leigh Adams just yet.

"When he went to Birmingham last year he transformed their season.

"He went from the number seven to the number one rider in just over two months.

"We know the Elite League is a step up in class, but Manuel has ridden some of the tracks before and we follow it on TV, so we know what it's all about.

"He is still learning every time he goes out onto the track. He can learn a lot from Leigh Adams and the other riders at Swindon."

Uzzell revealed Hauzinger had turned down moves to Elite League rivals Poole and Peterborough before giving the thumbs-up to Robins boss Alun Rossiter late last week.

The 25-year-old already has some friends at the Abbey and Uzzell expects his transition to the English lifestyle to be a smooth one.

He said: "When Poole first enquired about Manuel we were not ready, and then Peterborough showed some interest but they messed him around.

"I know Rosco and I know the set-up at Swindon so it seemed like a good choice.

"Manuel is good friends with Mads Korneliussen from riding in Denmark and we also know Seb Alden, so he should fit straight in.

"We're both really looking forward to it."