Klindt tasting double delight

The Monmore asset has signed up with his first British backer just 24 hours after launching a sponsorship drive in the Express & Star.

With the ink barely dry on that deal, Klindt is finalising his contract with Wolves owner Chris Van Straaten and expecting to sign for 2009.

The Danish rider was delighted to land backing for an engine from Lichfield garage T Turner Autos Ltd. He was knocked flat when owner Terry Turner revealed the name of the last young rider he had helped out – Klindt's fellow Dane Hans Nielsen.

Nielsen developed into an all-time speedway great, winning the world crown four times. Turner, a long-standing fan of the sport, can see 20-year-old Klindt heading in the same direction.

Turner said: "When he first came to Wolverhampton, Hans' first race was against Peter Collins. Hans was just outside the track record and they couldn't get the contract out quick enough!

"I think Nicolai's in the same mould. He's got the style and the ability to be in the Grand Prix class."

Turner's wide range of business contacts may open more sponsorship doors for Klindt as he prepares for a new campaign with a series of goals.

Klindt said: "Next year's going to be very big for me. I hope to take the world title in the under-21s. It's my big, big goal. I also have the goal to be in the grand final for Grand Prix qualification.

"Then, of course, we saw that Mads Korneliussen had the chance to be the (Danish) Grand Prix wildcard and if I can progress this year I would say I have a good shot at that as well.

"Also be on the national team for the seniors."

The last goal could be as tough as any, what with Denmark's powerful squad sweeping all before them in last year's World Cup.

But Klindt insisted: "I was sixth in the Danish senior final last year and the team holds five riders. I can do it. You just have to give it your best shot and be focused. There's a lot of competition but if you do well enough, they'll put you on the team."