Track Talk: Britain needs Marmite Tai Woffinden

He’s divided opinion with his outspoken comments on occasions, whether it be on social media or on several stage appearances at the Cleveland Arms, in Wolverhampton, hosted by yours truly.

And whilst I haven’t always liked the way he’s gone about his business with views which are, shall we say, straight to the point, he’s a remarkable character.

Yes, I am biased. I’ve worked with Tai for six seasons as his media adviser. Yes, there have been times when I’ve texted him late at night urging him to take down a tweet or check over a press release with some ‘close to the knuckle’ comments.

But through all the difficult times when I’ve cringed at some of the things he’s said or written, I’ve always been aware his country needs him.

The British Speedway Promoters’ Association are extremely busy meeting the modern day challenges of keeping some clubs alive in challenging circumstances.

I totally get the fact that they simply don’t have the time, or budget, to do the National side justice.

So, I congratulate them in allowing the GB side to be put out to tender and Rob Painter duly won the day.

One of Rob’s first tasks was to sit down with Woffinden. He started talking before he even had confirmation he had struck a deal with the BSPA, that’s how keen he was to have Tai on board.

This may sound a tad harsh and is meant with no disrespect to any individual who has worked hard behind the scenes for GB – but without Tai we would have achieved little or nothing.

Yes, young Robert Lambert rode superbly as the boys went agonisingly close to gold in the Speedway of Nations.

But the fact is we wouldn’t have got anywhere near the top three had we not had Mr Woffinden. A staggering 38 points from a possible 39 in the final tells you all you need to know.

I’ve been mightily impressed with the expertise in the backroom of the GB set-up. There are good people involved all of whom are experts in their particular field. That’s good.

But with the greatest will in the world, those experts wouldn’t have made any difference if we didn’t have Tai. He was the main man, the shining light.

The way he handled himself in the media and on TV and social media was superb.

He said all the right things and was keen to emphasise it was all about teamwork – which is excellent.

But be honest with yourself, how far would we have gone in the tournament if Tai had maintained his self imposed exile from the national side? Not far, I suspect.

I know Pete Adams, a man Tai respects like a father figure, has been telling him for months he should ride for GB.

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton face Belle Vue at Monmore on Monday – and there’s no excuse to miss out.

They’re up against it over the two legs of this cup tie but there should be some great racing.

And club bosses have arranged for the England World Cup game to be shown throughout the bar and restaurant – so there really is no excuse!