speedway By John Walsh

Last updated 11:37, Friday, 02 May 2008

NEWLY crowned British Under-21’s champion Tai Woffinden will lead the Rye House challenge at Workington on Saturday.

The Rockets-teenage sensation is top of their averages and only has Ulrich Ostergaard and Workington’s Daniel Nermark ahead of him in the Premier League averages.

Remarkably Woffinden is also the current British Under-18’s champion and regarded as the hottest British property in the sport.

So far he has averaged 10.62 from his six matches with Ostergaard leading the way on 11.12 and Nermark just behind on 11.04.

He added the Under-21‘s title to his list of successes last Friday when Workington’s Joe Haines was in seventh place.

That victory puts him straight into the World Under-21’s semi-final which is being held on his own track at Rye House.

Workington team manager Ian Thomas said: “I think we are going to see two of the best young prospects that we have in this country at Derwent Park on Saturday.

“I think we could see Joe in two years time in the position where Tai is now. They are two young men with a bright future in the sport and it will be quite interesting to watch them on Saturday.

“The fact that Tai is third in the averages behind experienced riders like Ulrich and Daniel shows just how much progress he has made.”

The Rockets have only ridden once this season, a 66-24 home win over the Isle of Wight, so this Saturday’s trip to Derwent Park will be their first on the road.

They have a few injury problems and Haines will be guesting for them on Sunday when they ride a meaningless Premier Trophy match at Mildenhall.

The Rockets can’t catch leaders and qualifiers Birmingham Brummies while Fen

Tigers look destined to finish bottom of the group.

Meanwhile former Workington rider Paul Thorp is fit and ready to return to racing.

Thorp has recovered from a minor operation and has come through a practice session at his former track Stoke.

He said: “I’ve certainly not retired and I’m fit and want to race.

“I’d welcome the opportunity to talk to Premier League clubs who may need to make a new signing for whatever reason.”

Thorp joined the Comets in 2006 but was sacked in a team re-shuffle and joined Stoke but did not ride last year.

Angry Stoke chief Dave Tattum has given his riders a verbal blast after their 50-42 home Knockout Cup defeat at the hands of Workington at the weekend.

He said: "I’ve never been so gutted after a home defeat and that was a woeful display.

"I have to say that not every rider fell below expectations. But how do you explain losing a 10 point lead and eventually going down by eight points?”