Emil Sayfutdinov 🧙

[ShanoXtra]

Thought I’d open up a chat if anybody wanted to say thanks to Emil, might end up sharing it with him so he can read some more nice messages over the winter, if anybody wants to share some highlights or best moments of him, lastly, I wanted to share what Chris wrote about him and how it wasn’t easy to get him. More like Chris in this sport needs to be brave and stand up, I think we know the FIM has failed us at this,

It was such a difficult time for Emil and his family when he was left in the wilderness because of the war in Ukraine and I felt something needed to be done.

“My work to allow Emil to race in the UK was not universally accepted and alienated me in some quarters, but it soon became apparent that he was going to be a hugely popular character, not only at Ipswich, but up and down the country

[ShanoXtra]

To add, my number one highlight was to the detriment of Belle Vue (sorry BV fans). The 2023 semi final at Belle Vue heat 15 for Emil and Doyle to come through and win vs Bewley and Kurtz was unreal, not many pairs do that to them at Belle Vue! And hats off to Bewley and Kurtz because they made that race amazing to watch. Four laps of total madness with emotions everywhere! What a heat that was.

[JoeW436]

He always spent ages taking pictures and signing stuff after meetings at Peterborough, a real credit to the sport.

[TTT]

10 hours ago, ShanoXtra said:

To add, my number one highlight was to the detriment of Belle Vue (sorry BV fans). The 2023 semi final at Belle Vue heat 15 for Emil and Doyle to come through and win vs Bewley and Kurtz was unreal, not many pairs do that to them at Belle Vue! And hats off to Bewley and Kurtz because they made that race amazing to watch. Four laps of total madness with emotions everywhere! What a heat that was.

Same highlight for me, A race that will always stick with me for life.

[Technik]

The first time I saw Emil was at an U21 qualifier at Rye House when the announcer asked his manager how to pronounce his last name. The answer will live with me forever " It doesn't matter as long as you say the winner is" first. He went on to win the event I believe.

[PersonalResponsibility]

4 hours ago, Technik said:

The first time I saw Emil was at an U21 qualifier at Rye House when the announcer asked his manager how to pronounce his last name. The answer will live with me forever " It doesn't matter as long as you say the winner is" first. He went on to win the event I believe.

I remember him riding in that meeting, I think you knew then he was going to become top class. If a Russian kid can turn up at Rye House and win comfortably, it's impressive.

It was great when he eventually came to the UK, he really seemed to embrace British speedway and for the most part gave it 100%. Always thought it was a shame he never rode in the GPs during most of his peak years - his first couple of seasons battling with Nicki were top entertainment.

Edited 9 hours ago by PersonalResponsibility

[Garry1603]

A rider universally liked and for good reason.

Apart from being an exciting, world class rider, he appears to be a fine human being who cares for the fans and the sport in general.

British speedway is all the poorer for his absence.

 

[Ben91]

5 hours ago, Technik said:

The first time I saw Emil was at an U21 qualifier at Rye House when the announcer asked his manager how to pronounce his last name. The answer will live with me forever " It doesn't matter as long as you say the winner is" first. He went on to win the event I believe.

Remember that evening well. Conditions were horrible, would have been called off had it not been a world level meeting I’m sure. Outclassed the field which included Tai Woffinden on his home track. Only one rider that evening looked as if he’d go on to be a world champion and it wasn’t Tai.