CO-PROMOTER Lee Kilby has backed Zach Wajtknecht to return to speedway a stronger man, following his decision to take a break from the sport.

Wajtknecht confirmed on Sunday morning that he had withdrawn his services from both Swindon and Birmingham speedway for the rest of the season after struggling for form through April and May.

The 21-year-old first signed for the Robins in 2017, going on to post averages of 4.86 and 5.27 respectively from his opening two seasons.

And while Wajtknecht recorded just one top-tier heat win this season, Kilby said the British youngster has no reason to feel that he has let anyone at the club down.

The son of Robins legend Bob Kilby instead praised the British U21 runner-up for making the decision, and has backed him for a strong return to the sport – whenever that might occur.

He said: “You could see Zach (Wajtknecht) wasn’t racing with as much conviction, he wasn’t going for the gaps that he was taking last season.

“Sadly, I think it was inevitable that it would come to this. It was interesting seeing him at Birmingham, because he was a heat leader in that team.

“It takes a huge personality for someone to hold their hands up and say ‘I need to take a break’.

“He said to me he didn’t want to let anyone down, but that would never be the case. For him to admit he’s not enjoying racing at the moment is an amazing thing to be able to do.

“He will earn a lot of respect for doing what he has done.”

Kilby added the Robins will always be there to support Wajtknecht during his time away from the sport.

“I remember him scoring double figures, beating Hans Andersen, leading Krzysztof Kasprzak – we know what he is capable of doing,” said Kilby.

“He’s far too good to be lost to the sport, but it’s easy to forget he has only been in speedway for a handful of years.

“I’m sure he will be a Robin again in the future, I’m convinced.”