UNLUCKY KAJ MISSES OUT

NEWS Monday 1st October 2007, 7:44pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

An engine failure and a 2-minute exclusion halted Kaj Laukkanen's bid for the PLRC at Swindon. James Wright is the new champion.

But make no mistake, our man was right in the hunt and but for his misfortunes he was virtually certain to have made the latter stages, it the semi final at least.

He won his opening heat in a fast time, then came second in heat 6 behind Lyons but ahead of Tai Woffinden.

Heat 12 was a big disappointment, as he chased Daniel Nermark. Going into lap three he pulled up, allowing third placed James Wright an extra point and making it harder for himself.

In a tough heat 15 though he again took a good second, beating Chris Holder, and that left him needing a win in heat 17 to be sure of his place in the semi.

He was off the favourable gate 4 against Rempala, Compton and Franc, and he looked like the favourite for the heat. He was very late out, just beating the two minutes, and regrettably then touched the tapes.

There was no arrangement to go off 15 metres so that was it - Kaj was out.

Workington's James Wright took the title ahead of Jason Lyons and surprise packet Jacek Rempala.