Karlsson offers helping hand

Wolves speedway great Peter Karlsson insists his British career isn't over – and he would be open to offers for a return to Monmore Green later this year.

Karlsson, who first joined the club in 1990, has ruled himself out of a full season of Elite League racing as he admits the travelling got on top of him last year.

But he insists he would be happy to talk to the club if they run into problems later in the year through injuries or a lack of form.

He said: "If they hit trouble with injuries and I can help out, then they have my number, or if the team isn't working out and they need to make a change, the same applies. But as it stands I'm not riding in England and I'm happy about that because of the fatigue.

"I got very, very tired and it will be nice not to have to travel over there every week.

"Wolves fans will always tell you I gave my best for the club and Monmore Green is one of the best tracks in the world for me, but it wasn't good when I was turning up at meetings feeling tired.

"That's not good preparation, is it?

"Now I want to be fresh and ready to race and when I do that in Sweden and Poland I'll be happy. I've got a deal with Russia for four meetings over there as well."

Karlsson has been working for the family business in Sweden during the winter months – and he says it makes him realise how the life of a speedway rider isn't all that bad!

"I'm up at 4am every day and it's freezing cold, and I have to be in bed at 9pm," said PK.

"It makes you realise what a good life you can lead as a speedway rider, because this is all about the real world, working for my dad with a proper job.

"I'll be stepping up my training and looking forward to coming over to Wolverhampton for their practice session on March 11. I'm looking forward to putting some laps in.

"I'm told there's a fans forum the following night at the stadium, but it might be an idea for me to stay away, because that's all about the 2008 team. But it would be nice to see everyone."