In front of 40,000 fervent speedway fanatics at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, as well as an international television audience, Isle of Wight speedway start marshal Chris Cass turned in a faultless performance as 16 of the world’s best riders came to tapes for the 2019 British Grand Prix on Saturday night.
Unruffled by the cacophony of noise raining down from the stands, Cass maintained complete control of 25 clean race starts as the riders fought for World Championship points in the penultimate round of the 2019 Grand Prix series.
At the end of the night it was Denmark’s Leon Madsen who won the meeting to consolidate his 3rd place in the series and keep alive his hopes of catching overall leader Bartosz Zmarzlik (Poland) and 2nd placed Emil Sayfudimov (Russia).
Writing on Facebook after the excitement of Saturday night, Chris said:
“Well what started off four years ago as me becoming the Warriors start marshal has expanded to me actually officiating at the British Grand Prix in Cardiff.
“How am I feeling people are asking… well if you had asked me before the meeting I would have said something along the lines of nervous and worried. However, if you ask me now I will say absolutely buzzing and excited and extremely grateful for the chance to do it.
“It has been said by many that the opportunity has come about because of my ability and while this is true, my ability is only as good as the support I receive. This ranges from the Warriors management team for giving me the opportunity to be their start marshal, to the Smallbrook track staff and volunteers that have made me so welcome.
“I am also lucky to have the respect of the riders. When I ask them to move over or straighten up in their gate position they might not be too happy but they always do. Then that just leaves the respect and feedback from everyone in the stand – all the comments saying how well I do week in week out is much appreciated.
Article continues below this advertisement “It’s like I said at the last meeting, me stepping on to the Cardiff start line is my way of saying a massive thank you to everyone who has had faith in me and respected and encouraged me. I love you all my Warrior family. Sorry for the essay, I just wanted to publicly thank everyone for making my dream come true.”
WATCH Chris in action in the video above, replaying the final heat of the night…
Chris did the Wightlink Warriors and Wizards, the Isle of Wight and more so, himself proud. Well done Chris.
Used to be an Oakfield saying, ‘As mean as Owen Cass’ maybe a relation of Chris? Done us proud.
A real honour for Chris, the Warriors and the island. Well done Chris, great job mate. 🙂
Well done Chris! Top man!!!!