Karlsson vow after new Wolves deal

Birthday boy Peter Karlsson is looking for an Indian summer in the autumn of his speedway career.

The Swede has a double cause for celebration, after agreeing a 2009 deal with Wolves owner Chris Van Straaten and celebrating his 39th birthday.

He's looking to raise his average, promising the Monmore Green fans there will be no gentle slide towards retirement.

He said: "I decided to come back a while ago. It was just a matter of getting all the bits and pieces in place with, obviously, Chris wanting me to come back.

"It's been pretty easy to do a deal. Now it's just preparation for the new season. I would like to think I can improve next season in all the leagues I do."

With Grand Prix riders of the calibre of Nicki Pedersen, Jason Crump and Hans Andersen all set to skip British racing this year, many fans will see Karlsson's scoring path as a little smoother.

But the rider doesn't necessarily see it the same way.

He said: "I don't think it makes a really big difference. Obviously it will be easier to go to Belle Vue and not have to face Crump two or three times!

"But it doesn't change the job a lot. There will be others who are hard to beat."

Karlsson may well be the oldest rider in Britain's top flight when the 2009 season goes to the tapes. Just how many more seasons has he got in the tank?

He said: "It's hard to say, really. I'm getting closer to the finish. I know I'm not going to ride for 10 more years, obviously, or even five.

"For sure I think I will do (at least) two more seasons."

Many riders have been happy to continue in the sport while on the down slope of a long career. Karlsson is not one of them.

He declared: "I think it's painful to see some others do it. I think, when I do stop, I will stop pretty sharpish in all leagues.

"I want to enjoy it. You want to be competitive when you do it,because that's what it's all about. When it's time to finish I'll make a good, sharp decision – and that's it. And I won't regret it."