7:00am Thursday 3rd July 2008
By Phil Chard
DAVEY Watt revealed he's going to put club before individual ambition after helping Pirates jump back to the top of the Elite League last night.
The Australian sped to an impressive 11-point haul as Poole Castle Cover comfortably defeated injury-ravaged Coventry to go above previous leaders Swindon on superior race points difference.
Then he exclusively told the Echo: "I'm not going to do practice at Motala on Friday ahead of my Grand Prix semi-final qualifier in Sweden on Saturday.
"I've chosen to ride for Poole at Coventry in the league instead.
"I would not have got where I am in the sport after what Poole speedway has done for me.
"It would be wrong for me to leave Poole in the lurch to try and further my own career. I just think it would be better if I ride for Poole."
Watt, only 10 rides away from sealing a permanent GP place, added: "The track is always different in practice from what it is for the main event anyway "I don't do practice for any other meetings so I'll do it this way this time.
"Matt Ford (Poole's co-promoter) said I could do whatever I wanted. He gave me the choice and I said I would go to Coventry.
"I put in the effort that I decided to put in when I signed for Poole at the beginning of this year.
"When I signed it, and with whatever contract I sign, I've always committed myself 100 per cent.
"I don't want to be the person who misses meetings just because I have individual meetings elsewhere.
"I'm committed to riding for Poole. That's my job and that's what I'll continue to do."
Watt, who got heavy stick from some Pirates' fans after missing their 48-41 league win at Eastbourne in May to take part in a GP qualifier, continued: "I never ever practice anyway because we just don't have the opportunity to do that in speedway.
"It's only before meetings like this one that you do.
"Half the time I just confuse myself when I do practice anyway.
"I'll just go there and do what I normally do. If I keep everything as normal as possible I should be okay."
Watt was on fire last night, beginning by scorching outside Rory Schlein and Adam Skornicki on the second bend to win heat three.
He couldn't catch race five winner Oliver Allen and had to settle for second, before jet propelling himself past Simon Stead on the back straight to triumph in heat nine.
Watt drove hard past Schlein on the fourth turn to produce a third from the back victory in race 12.
While Watt rides for Pirates tomorrow, Coventry will be without Schlein and Stead, who are going to practice before taking part in Saturday's GP qualifier at Motala.
Bees bring in Fredrik Lindgren and Piotr Swiderski as guests for the duo, with Tai Woffinden also guesting in place of injury Billy Janniro, with rider replacement again covering for injured Chris Harris.
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