Published at 11:28, Wednesday, 22 June 2011

WORKINGTON Comets number one James Wright has made it into the semi-finals of the Grand Prix qualifiers.

Wright, who was riding in Terenzano in Italy scored nine points and has so qualified for the semi-finals which takes place in a couple of weeks.

It also means he joins fellow Comet Peter Kildemand in the semi-finals of the competition.

Wright said: “I was pretty happy with my performance and I knew what I needed to do to get into the next round.

“Everything is coming up pretty quick at the moment and I just need to get myself organised for the semi-final.

“I didn’t qualify a couple of years ago so my aim is to make the final, go and do my best and see how it goes.”

The draw for what semi-final Wright will be involved in will be made later this week and he is hoping he will be riding in Italy again as it makes travelling a lot easier.

He said: “Italy will be the nearest place and although there is another semi final in Latvia where I like the track I don’t like the travelling there because it is hard to drive to.

“Everyone obviously dreams of being world champion and there are lying if they say they don’t.”

“Some riders have a better chance than others but you never know. All I can do is do my best in the semi final, get through to the next round and see what happens.”

Before his Grand Prix test though Wright will be trying to help Workington win the Premier League Pairs that takes place at Somerset on Friday.Wright, who missed out on the Pairs title in his last year with Workington in 2007, when riding with Kauko Nieminen is hoping to put the record straight this year.He said: “I’ve not had the time to look at the other teams but there is no point analysing everything before the match.“Myself and Rusty will just be doing our best and team riding pretty hard and as long as we don’t finish last in the races we should win the competition.“Everyone in the field is a quality rider and there are no second strings or reserves so everyone is capable of team riding well.“I went pretty close last time, did really well in the heats but then finished last in the semi-final and that is what cost us so I want to redeem myself this year and win it.”

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk