Speedway fans across the globe show support for Tai Woffinden following racing accident in Poland

Speedway lovers across the globe have come out in support of British rider Tai Woffinden after he was airlifted to hospital following a crash in Poland on Sunday, March 30.

Woffinden was racing for Polish club Rzeszow, and collided with teammate Franciszek Majewski at the first turn, during heat seven. The pair’s bikes locked together, before colliding with the outer air fencing – causing the meeting to be abandoned.

A statement from the club, released on March 31, read: “The patient was transported to our hospital by the Air Ambulance Service.

“He arrived at the hospital with multiple injuries, multiple limb fractures and a chest injury. His condition is stable, he is mechanically ventilated and remains in a pharmacological coma. He is staying in the Intensive Care Clinic, where he remains under the care of doctors.”

Woffinden is Britain’s most successful speedway rider and has won three FIM Speedway Grand Prix world titles (2013, 2015, and 2018). He’s also a three-time British champion, double under-21 champion, and double under-18 series winner.

Immensely popular with the fans, in 2013 Woffinden became the first speedway competitor to win the prestigious MCN Rider of the Year Award since its inception in 1958.  He then followed it up with another win in 2014.

Following the confirmation of his injuries, messages of support began to flood in from speedway fans, rivals, and friends. Amongst the well-wishers was four-time FIM Speedway World Champion, Greg Hancock, who took to Instagram to say: “We all stand by you Woffy and family!”

Tai’s wife Faye thanked people for their support, taking to social media to say: “Tai has been through more than we can even begin to imagine. Multiple broken bones, major surgeries, blood transfusions – his body has endured so much.

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“And yet his spirit stays strong. So does our hope. We’re holding on tightly, believing that each day will bring more healing and more strength.

“The love, kindness, and support we’ve received from all of you has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way. There truly aren’t words to express how deeply grateful we are.”