DANNY King has no doubt his hard work is paying off after the Brit starred for his country last week and then secured third place in the British Final on Monday night, writes Observer Speedway reporter Robin Allen.
King scored 17 points for Great Britain during their World Cup campaign, which seemed to give the Bees rider a confidence boost as he never gave up in his quest for glory at Monmore Green.
He finished third behind Craig Cook and winner Tai Woffinden however King’s route to the podium was not as straightforward as he would have hoped with no less than two falls during the qualifying heats.
“It was hard fought that’s for sure,” said King.
“I feel a bit battered and bruised but I’m sure I’ll be sore in the morning but it was worth it really to get on the podium at the British Final.
“I felt like I just didn’t give up and just kept fighting and fighting. At one point it just felt like I was getting nowhere but obviously it showed in the end and I was pleased with that.”
Despite the Brit’s recent success around the Wolverhampton circuit, it has not been a happy hunting ground for him in the past, with his last visit with the Bees in March resulting in just four points.
“I managed to step up on a track that I don’t really always ride well at so hopefully now we can move the event to more of a ‘racers’ track.”
It did seem that luck was on King’s side as he secured his place in the semi-final on count back ahead of fellow Bees star Chris Harris.
And after finishing second in the semi-final King was given a tough gate off the outside in the final.
King added: “I had a chance and it was a slim chance off gate four but i knew sometimes in these meetings they clash on the first bend and if i can just be smart and get it right there’s a chance I could win, it just wasn’t meant to be but we’ll take third place.
“I tried too hard in the second running of the final and lost ground and that was it really but credit to them, congratulations and we’ll have another go next year.”
