Four-time world champion Greg Hancock misses only his second FIM Speedway Grand Prix in 23 seasons after withdrawing from the Teng Tools Swedish SGP due to injury.
The 47-year-old sits out Saturday’s showdown in Malilla after slipping down the stairs at his home in Sweden last month, suffering a dislocated shoulder. The injury saw him pull up in his first ride at Adrian Flux British SGP in Cardiff on July 22 and then immediately withdraw from the meeting.
He hasn’t raced since, and has now confirmed he won’t take his place at the G&B Arena, where he won the 2016 event in stunning style.
The devastated American legend said: “The shoulder doesn’t feel stable enough for me to feel comfortable with any situation on the track. You need to know you can handle any situation a GP throws at you and I don’t know that yet, it’s not strong enough.
“I am devastated to have to miss only my second Grand Prix in 210, but I know it’s the right decision. I have to listen to my body for once and I don’t want to make anything worse.
“The plan is to continue with therapy and trying to stabilise the shoulder and come back for the next round.
“Thank you for all of the support and all the great messages I have received. It means a lot and now I just can’t wait to get back racing again.”
With SGP first reserve Peter Kildemand already competing in place of the injured Nicki Pedersen, second stand-in Martin Smolinski of Germany takes Hancock’s spot. The 2014 New Zealand SGP winner rides in his first SGP event since reaching the semi-finals of last year’s German SGP in Teterow.
Hancock has missed just one SGP since the series was launched in 1995 – the 2014 Nordic SGP in Vojens – and has a record 208 appearances to his name.
We wish Greg a very speedy recovery.
Speedway GP