Photo by Ian Charles: Craig Cook - Great Britain Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup, Round 1, Kings Lynn, Practice 1 July 2017

British Champion and Belle Vue captain, Craig Cook, is preparing himself for the biggest night on the Speedway GP calendar this Saturday when he takes his place as the British Grand Prix wildcard.

It will be the fourth time the 30-year old has graced the Cardiff shale, and with each appearance he has demonstrated greater experience and ability to shake things up with the best in the world.

His greatest moment came in 2015 when, in Heat 3, he blitzed his was to his first ever GP heat win, beating world champions Chris Holder and Greg Hancock, and Maciej Janowski.

Now he is determined to go one better and is targeting, at minimum, advancement into the semi-finals as he keeps his imminent trip to Tolyatti, Russia for this year’s GP challenge fresh in his mind.

Cook said: “The British Grand Prix is so different to the World Cup. There, you’ve not only got your team mates relying on you but also the expectations of your country resting on your shoulders.

“There’s no pressure on me this weekend. I’m not there to answer to anyone but myself. I’m going to relax, enjoy it and do my own thing, and hopefully it’ll be enough to get me on the podium.

“I’m really looking forward to Cardiff. It’s a tremendous feeling to be part of such a huge event on the Grand Prix calendar and I’ve already proved this season that I can mix with the world’s best.

“But even so, I’ll be keeping an open mind. Extravagant plans can easily unwind so for now I’ll be playing my cards close to my chest. It’s a fantastic opportunity that I intend to make the most of.”

Cook will return home to Belle Vue, Manchester on Monday July 24th when he will lead his Rentruck Aces into battle against the reigning Premiership Champions, the Wolverhampton Wolves.

Tickets for this clash of clans are just £10 in both stands, with children under 18 free of charge, thanks to a special promotion from BT Sport, and are available online now at www.bellevueaces.co<http://www.bellevueaces.co>.

Words: Hayley Bromley
Images: Ian Charles

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