Franz Zorn is a three-time Individual European Champion in Ice Speedway, the defending champion and a favorite of the Sanok public. Before this year’s competition, the Austrian champion talks about his constant passion for racing, the problems of recent weeks and plans for the future.
Tickets for Saturday’s tournament are on sale online at sklep.speedwayevents.pl and at ebilet.pl.
In order to show one of the main differences between classic and ice speedway, it is worth mentioning that the legend of the world ice speedway started his sports adventure at the age of… 22.
Let’s not get carried away with this „legend” stuff. But yes it’s true, I started when I was over 20 years old. On ice, the age limits works slightly different than in classic speedway. Maybe if we look to the east, that’s where riders start their adventure much earlier. However, I think that you can ride effectively at any age.
Recently, you had a break from competing due to a foot injury. You announced your return to racing in Sanok. Is everything fine with your health?
All is not as it should be yet, but I think I will be back to normal for the competition in Poland. The injury was nasty. During the first training session after the injury, I could feel the lack of riding after such a long break. I can definitely say that I am extremely pleased with my engines. It works great. This was confirmed during the Czech Individual Championships, where I managed to ride on a frozen lake in Hamr na Jezere. It’s a pity that only three series were completed. The thaw didn’t allow for more, but I’m still happy with taking second place.
This year, the competition in Sanok will be decided not during two-day tournament, but only one day – on Saturday. Does it make any difference to you?
This is a different competition formula. In the two-day competition, you have a chance to reasses you strategy on Sunday. However, what you are asking is a broader subject. During last year’s competition, the track was very good for racing on the first day, but on the second day, due to the weather, it could not be prepared similarly. Therefore, in a one-day tournament, there is a good chance that if the weather is good, we will have a perfect surface. Please remember that Sanok is an open track and preparing the facility is more difficult than during indoor competitions.
Are you coming you come to Sanok for another European champion title?
I always go for the best possible result. After such a long break from racing, it will certainly be extremely difficult to achieve a result that will give me satisfaction. However, like every athlete, I am going to Sanok to win. We’ll see what fate brings. Certainly, due to the recent injury, it will not be easy.
This question must be asked at the end of our conversation. When do you plan to end your career?
For me, the season is just starting and I don’t think about such things! End of career? You can think about it when you stop enjoying racing, you are not successful and you cannot afford to practice sports. For now, these issues do not concern me.
BUY TICKETS
We invite all fans to the “Błonie” ice track, the final outcome is not known yet but what’s the certain – there will be lot of emotions. Online ticket sales for the event has just begun. They can be purchased online at: sklep.speedwayevents.pl and at ebilet.pl. Tickets are valid in both paper and electronic versions (on a mobile device).
Prices
VIP
399 zł – price includes parking space, high-class catering, a set of equipment, a seat in the stands with a perfect view of the competition, a program, possibility of staying in the machine park up to 60 minutes before the start of racing
Main stand
69 zł – regular
49 zł – discount (kinds between 7 and 18 years and pensioneers)
Side stand
49 zł – regular
39 zł – discount (kinds between 7 and 18 years and pensioneers)
Kids below 6 years of age – no cost with an accompanying adult
