Kaj Laukkanen

He can sometimes be sublime, occasionally ordinary, but when his mind is fully focused Kaj Laukkanen is capable of beating anyone.
2007 will be Kaj's third spell with Belle Vue, having ridden for the Aces in 1999-2002 and in 2004 when he was drafted in to replace the injured Antonin Svab. His second return only resulted in a handful of meetings, but was a move welcomed by his fans in Manchester, who expected Laukkanen's input to bring more rewards for the team.

This year sees the Finnish ace as a qualified reserve for the Grand Prix series. He is no stranger to the World scene though, having competed in 2002 and finishing 31st and again in 2004 when he made the top twenty. He has been eight times a national champion in his native land (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006), and has also represented Finland in the World Cup competitions. Despite his love for his home country, Kaj has taken the decision to base himself in Manchester this year with his new family, wife Mari and newborn daughter, putting his reputation as being one of the great speedway wanderers spending hours at airports, to one side.

Laukkanen, 32, appeared on the British scene at Long Eaton in 1995 but has never set goals to reach in the sport. He is still in search of his first piece of silverware with a British club, having already won a slice of glory with teams in Denmark, Finland and Poland. Kaj stayed with Long Eaton for two seasons and left when the club was forced to close at the end of the 1996 season. Almost two years passed before the Finn's return to British racing, popping up in Glasgow's Premier League set-up at the end of August '98 when he whizzed to 15 points on his debut, at Berwick. From as many matches, he averaged nine points a meeting for the Scottish side before his arrival at Belle Vue during 1999, becoming an instant
favourite with his hearty never-say-die search for points. They will be remembered for being his best days for the Aces, averaging over seven.
He stayed with Belle Vue until the end of 2002 before a move to Oxford to replace the under performing Matej Ferjan a year later.
Since his last stint with the Aces in 2004, Kaj has rarely been seen on a British track, although he has been an ever present rider on the continent. As well as his national success in Finland, Kaj has also found himself hitting the headlines with his bronze medal in the European Championships in 2005, behind Jesper B Jensen and Ales Dryml.
Over the years, Kaj has justified himself as a Belle Vue Ace and his dedication and commitment was made clear when he declared that he would only return to the UK if it was with the Aces. He joins this year's line up with a five-point average, but is convinced that he is more than capable of increasing it once he re-establishes himself with his former home.