Speedway Grand Prix

NO CASH, NO WORRIES

Danish star Nicki Pedersen is refusing to let the economic downturn hit his bid for a fourth world title, despite losing a second leading sponsor.

The Gorzow rider has already lost Fionia Bank from his kevlars after the company was taken over by Nordea. Now Unibet have withdrawn their backing for the 2010 season.

Pedersen endured an expensive year with his clubs after being forced to take a pay cut prior to the start of last season at financially troubled Polish side Czestochowa.

To make matters worse, he also lost his spot at Russian team Togliatti after the league banned foreigners from the country, where they had previously earned lavish rewards. These troubles in Poland and Russia reportedly cost the Dane five million kroner (almost £600,000).

The 32-year-old had a costly season on the track too, where he relinquished the World Championship to Jason Crump and finished sixth in the final standings.

He also suffered third degree burns to his leg in Event One of the Speedway World Cup at Vojens, and his absence played a huge part in the Danes failing to reach the final.

But Pedersen has no intention of letting a nightmare 2009 and the credit crunch hurt his quest to top the SGP rostrum this term. The Odense-born man says he will spare no expense in his bid to dethrone Crump and regain the No.1 race jacket.

He told ekstrabladet.dk: “It's only my own savings that will get hit. The team will get their salaries and I did not save on gear.

“You can be sure that I am determined to be world champion again. It gives me extra motivation to have to start with No.6 on my back and I am totally game for the challenge.”

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