Speedway unites behind injured racer Ward

All 16 riders in tonight’s speedway world championship Grand Prix in Poland will be wearing near-identical blue, white and yellow race suits in a show of unity with injured fellow racer Darcy Ward.

The suits are all replicas of the one worn by Ward, the 23-year-old Australian who is in an English hospital after suffering serious spinal injuries in August.

All 16 suits, which bear each racers’ personal sponsors rather than Ward’s, will be auctioned after tonight’s GP to raise money for Ward’s ongoing medical treatment.

Doctors haven’t revealed the extent of Ward’s injuries because of patient confidentiality, but they appear to be life-changing.

The twice world junior champion is arguably the most exciting racer in speedway and his injury, suffered during a league meeting in Poland, was a hammer blow felt across the sport.

Tonight’s GP takes place at Torun, Ward’s home track in the Polish League, and the fact all 16 riders are paying tribute shows the closeness of the speedway fraternity.

Ward tweeted his appreciation for his fellow racers, saying: “Tonight I’m nothing but excited to watch Torun GP. I’ll be out there x16!”

The replica suit worn tonight by Brit racer Tai Woffinden could take on even greater value than normal. The 25-year-old has a firm chance of claiming his second world championship in Torun. If he can finish within three points of Greg Hancock, his nearest challenger, he will be world champ with a round to spare.

Tonight’s meeting starts at 6pm UK time and is screened live on British Eurosport.