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Post by teessidetransporters on Aug 5, 2015 12:46:25 GMT
American starlet Jack Hagen has vented his frustration at being overlooked for the North American GP wildcard.
The Teesside Transporters ace has begun the season in fine style, averaging nearly 7 points in the top-tier - but despite his efforts in the Ultimate League, Russian Boris Dvoynev from Power League side Wednesfield has been handed the call.
17-year-old Hagen admits he was left bemused by the decision to bring in a Russian when the young Los Angeles-native was ready to take up the chance.
"I am gutted," said Hagen, "I can't lie - yes I am only 17, but I am North American which I know does not automatically mean I should get it, but who would the fans rather see, no offence to Boris who is a fine rider - but he is not doing it in the Ultimate League.
"I chose to take the step up to challenge myself against the best of the best, and that is what I am doing and it has gone really well and I thought I had done enough to warrant a pick."
Teesside boss Graeme Bailey, who is national boss for Norway and Finlanf commented: "I know with my national hat on if one of my young lads had been overlooked for one of the domestic GP under our flag, I would not be happy - but it is what it is, I have told Jack to take it on the chin - he will get his chance, we know that - he is just a bit upset as he would love to have raced in-front of his home crowd and personally I think he would have done just as well as young Dvoynev."
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Post by estuarywhales on Aug 5, 2015 15:03:57 GMT
As much as we feel for young Hagen missing out here, his time will come, I feel he should be more concentrated on wining the U/21 title then grow with the sport.
As for Dvoynev I had him at Ipswich on an injury loan last season in the Ultimate League and he was a class act definitely worth a punt here, I feel he could be a rider to watched in the Qualifiers too.
Now I find he is the first rider from the 2nd tier of Sim to win a GP, OK Teesside's Hans E Bergestol was the top scorer on the night but missed out in the semi's.
I wish both riders good fortune in their respective competitions this season.
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Post by sheffielddons on Aug 5, 2015 16:54:02 GMT
We always like a bit of controversy on the GP committee!
Not sure he'd have done quite as well as it turned out Dvoynev did!
This season we made the call not to just go with a 'home' rider as it's unfair on those who don't get a home GP. With the league restructure Dvoynev is relatively doing better in the PL than Hagen in the UL. Obviously he proved to be a good choice but even if he'd failed to score I'd stand by the decision. The point of wildcards is to give those on the edge of GP standard the chance to show what they can do so it's about identifying the top 8 young(ish) riders in the world outside the current series.
Think this season may be early for Jack to get a call but we go on form for each one so if he's performing in the league and goes well in qualification he's as much chance as anyone.
Good to see Hans flying by the way - would make me happy personally to see him sticking in at or near the top as the series progresses :-)
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Post by estuarywhales on Aug 5, 2015 18:07:01 GMT
To prove the difference Dvoynev has a 9.67 PL average, which equates to 9.67 x 50 / 40 = 7.736 points against Hagen 6.80 UL average.
Well done Boris and what a signing for Captain Morgan, hic. hic.
Great start to the GP's looks like another fantastic competition ahead.
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Post by teessidetransporters on Aug 5, 2015 19:02:52 GMT
Hagen's disappointment was more a sign of his ambition and nothing else although still not sure a Ruski will go down well in America lol
And Andy good to see your taking good care of Janek and Arlo! Glad they are doing the job
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