Nikolay Krasnikov, the reigning world champion, didn't take long to claw back his first place in the Ice Speedway Gladiators ice championship. Whereas he arrived in Ufa five points behind Daniil Ivanov, two days of intensely competitive races allowed the driver supported by Motul Russia to recall that he wouldn't let an eighth title slip easily through his fingers, as wining eight times would form a record.
A 9,000-strong crowd braved the cold to travel on 11 and 12 February to Ufa, 1,500 km to the east of Moscow, to the Gabdrakhman ‘Gabby’ Kadirov stadium named after the 1966 world champion. On the first day, Krasnikov and his challenger Ivanov battled it out ruthlessly, which brought them several expulsions during the day. More seriously, Ivanov injured his head following a spectacular fall, which cast doubt on his participation on Sunday. But the doctors and race management gave their agreement and the race resumed the following day all the more intensely.
After a first Sunday event won by Ivanov in full possession of his means, Krasnikov dominated the races all day long ahead of a brilliant Dmitri Khomitsevich who was racing on home turf and clinched a fine second place in the final series.
Once again, the Russian drivers were the best in this spectacular winter sport highly popular in northern countries. Next event in Assen, in Holland on 16 March.
Standings
01// Nikolay Krasnikov - 74 points Motul
02// Daniil Ivanov - 72 points
03// Dmitry Khomitsevich - 65 points
