Back again, at last – Rafal Dobrucki

Rafal Dobrucki is back in Kaparna speedway team after one year absence due to a severe spine injury. He is one of the mainstays of the team, which he has made very clear in the first meetings of the season. Full 18 points in the first fight against Team Bikab saved Kaparna from an embarrassing defeat. The following matches he has followed up to make evident he is the top rider in Allsvenskan this year. Lucky enough Rafal is pretty good at speaking English. Still we had interpreting support from Jerzy Trzeszkowski, a former top rider in Kaparna.

Very popular!

Experienced rider

For how long have you been driving speedway? ”I started on 500cc 11 years ago. But my injury has kept me away for a year now, so you could say I have been driving for ten years!” Have you only been driving in Polish and Swedish clubs? ”No, I made one season in Oxford a few years ago. It is awkward to drive in those three countries.” Which clubs do ride in now? ”In Leszno and in Kaparna. I have joined Kaparna for the last five years.” I suppose you have been driving in other Polish clubs? "I joined Leszno 2003, Earlier I was in a club named Polonia Pila."

Dad was Polish Champion

What made you start driving speedway? ”I understand your question. I am not exactly Peter Craven length. It was a natural thing for me to start driving. My dad was Polish speedway champion 1976. I have it my blood.”

Champ of the second corner at Arendal

Rafal, you have made yourself known as the champ of the second corner here at the Arendal circuit. You proved this talent today when you overtook Nicolai Klindt on the outside with high speed. ”I had tried to help Stefan Andersson. He had helped me some heats earlier.” Fine! Keep on doing so, but try to avoid climbing the fence. That's too much for our nerves. ”I will try. I can hurt myself next time.” Pretty good rider that Dane Klindt, Jerzy says in the background.

Severe back injury

Sure it was fine to have you back in the team. We missed you a lot last year. ”My back injury was a very bad one. I didn't know if I would ever be fit to ride on a speedway track again. The doctors made a very fine job and the back has healed better than expected. The doctor gave a clear signal and I longed back to speedway. When Kaparna wanted me back in  the team, it was an easy choice.”

Can they look depressed like this when Rafal takes full points?

Good starter

Thanks to good starting you could get the initiative in all your races today. ”Good starting is super important in speedway. And I have fine machines. Janne Andersson maintains them. He knows how to get the most out of them.” Rafal has a low voice, no boasting, no star manners. When I compliment him for his performances he shows a shy smile like when he takes the applauds after the meeting. No wonder he is one of our great favourites.

Rafal has a Physical Education Diploma to fall back on

The rumours tell you have a Physical Education Diploma? ”Two years ago I completed my studies. There must be something to fall back on after the speedway career.” Rafal is 29 this year, but we hope he will stay in Kaparna for many years to come.  

The back side of the most beautiful of vests - that's the side the opponents see!

Merits:

5 Polish team medals, 1 gold, 2 silver och 2 bronze
2 Swedish team medals, 1 gold and 1 silver
7 times qualified for the Polish Champion final, bronze 1995
5 times qualified for the Polish Junior Championship, gold 1995, silver 1996, bronze 1994, 1997
3 times qualified for the Bronze Helmet final, 1995 he won
4 times qualified for the Silver Helmet final, 1995 och 1997 he won 
8 times qualified for the Gold Helmet final

Anders W