Tuesday 28th August 2012, 14:18

Polish racer Krzysztof Kasprzak is desperate to end his four-year exile from the World Championship field after his glorious cameo appearance in Cardiff on Saturday.

This season’s second series reserve was called into the FIM Fogo British SGP after Kenneth Bjerre suffered a broken leg in a crash at Peterborough on Thursday night.

KK only found out he was racing in world speedway’s biggest meeting at 9am on Friday morning. But he scraped through to the semis on seven points, before finishing second to Poole team mate Chris Holder in the final.

Having battled his way to the silver medal, Kasprzak is targeting a top three finish in the GP Challenge at Gorican on September 29, which would seal him a full-time SGP berth for the first time since 2008.

The Leszno-born rider declared: “I want to get qualification in the GP Challenge now. If I have a good bike, I can be in the top three.”

Kasprzak took his British machines to the Millennium Stadium and had the pace to mix it with the sport’s very best.

He had a win and two last places in his opening three heats. But KK was pleased to finish strong with two second spots and then picked up second in semi-final two behind Freddie Lindgren, before riding a superb first lap in the medal race to get the better of Antonio Lindback for the silver.

Kasprzak was over the moon with his brilliant battling performance in the Millennium Stadium as he hit his peak when it mattered most.

He said: “There were some very good riders there. It’s Cardiff, a very tough track, and there is big pressure in that stadium.

“I wasn’t happy with my gating after my first few races. But there was no fuss. I always need two or three races to warm up and when I am warm, it’s better for me. When I’m cold, I’m no good at racing and I don’t feel good on the bike.

“I’m very happy. I think I won the start in the final, but Chris is on big form. He’s really going well and I’m happy I was second.”

Kasprzak and Holder are set for a special welcome when Poole host Lakeside at Wimborne Road on Wednesday night after completing a stunning one-two for the Pirates.

KK was pleased to do the Dorset side proud and is keen to help them defend their Elite League and Knockout Cup double.

He said: “It was a great feeling to have two Poole riders on top and I hope we win the league.”

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