Gino flies Scorpions’ flag in Speedway Of Nations

THE BRAND-NEW Speedway Of Nations is the second-biggest speedway competition in the world, behind only the Grand Prix series. Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions have a representative in their American star Gino Manzares, who will partner four-time World Champion Greg Hancock for the United States.

Gino’s first meeting in the event is Race-Off 1, which takes place in Teterow, Germany tonight (Saturday), and will be shown live on BT Sports. He and Hancock need a place in the top three, to book their place in the two-day World Final in Poland next weekend.

Gino had a call-up to replace the injured Luke Becker in the Speedway Of Nations, but still competed for Scorpions at Glasgow last night (Friday), on the eve of his big night.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey says: “Gino honoured his commitment for us at Glasgow, and that says much about his character.

“He could have easily pulled out, especially as he needed to get to Gatwick for 6am this morning, and therefore his crew had a long drive throughout the night.

“Sometimes, when a rider has a big meeting coming up, you sense they are just holding back a bit.

“That was definitely not the case with Gino, because he gave his absolute all for us at Glasgow, and his final points tally (five) did not reflect the effort he put in.

“He’s a top lad and the Speedway Of Nations is a great opportunity for him.

“He’s riding alongside a legendary multi-World Champion in Greg Hancock and will learn so much. I wish him all the best in the tournament, and I’m looking forward to seeing a Gino, buoyed by his Speedway Of Nations experience, back in our colours.”