In a shocking turn of events during a speedway friendly match in Krosno on March 30, 2025, three-time world champion Tai Woffinden suffered a serious injury following a dramatic crash in the seventh heat. The incident occurred right after the start as Woffinden collided with fellow riders Bartosz Bańbor and Franciszek Majewski, leading all three to crash into the inflatable barrier at the first turn.
The race, which pitted ZKS Stal Rzeszów against Cellfast Wilki Krosno, was halted immediately after the crash. Witnesses reported a chilling silence falling over the stadium as medical personnel rushed to the scene. While Bańbor managed to get up after a minor skid, the situation for Woffinden and Majewski was far more serious.
Emergency medical services arrived quickly, and Woffinden was placed on a stretcher, visibly in pain. Initial reports from the scene indicated that he might have sustained multiple fractures, including serious injuries to both arms and a leg. As the medical team worked to stabilize him, a helicopter was called in to transport him to a hospital in Rzeszów for further evaluation.
Stal Rzeszów released an official statement following the accident, expressing their concern for Woffinden. “Our rider, Tai Woffinden, suffered a very serious accident during the seventh heat of the friendly match in Krosno. Tai has been transported by helicopter to Rzeszów, where his condition is currently being assessed by doctors. Preliminary information suggests multiple fractures. We will provide detailed information after further examinations. We also want to thank President Grzegorz Leśniak for his swift response and assistance regarding our rider’s accident,” the statement read.
The crash not only halted the race but also raised concerns about the safety measures in place during speedway events. Woffinden, a beloved figure in the sport, had recently joined ZKS Stal Rzeszów after a long tenure with Betard Sparta Wrocław, where he became a club legend. His move was seen as a fresh start as he aimed to recover from a previous severe elbow injury that had sidelined him.
As the news broke, fans and fellow competitors took to social media to express their support for Woffinden. Michał Drymajło, president of Stal Rzeszów, emphasized the importance of the swift action taken by the medical team. “We are grateful for the quick response from everyone involved. Tai is a fighter, and we are hopeful for his recovery,” he stated.
The friendly match was officially concluded with a score of 15:21 in favor of the visitors, ZKS Stal Rzeszów, but the focus quickly shifted to Woffinden’s health. The incident has sparked discussions about athlete safety and emergency protocols in the sport, highlighting the risks riders face on the track.
As updates continue to emerge regarding Woffinden’s condition, the speedway community remains united in their hopes for his recovery. The impact of this accident extends beyond the race, reminding everyone of the inherent dangers of motorsport and the resilience required from its athletes.
In a subsequent update, it was confirmed that Woffinden was conscious during transport and receiving necessary medical attention. Fans are left anxiously awaiting further news on his condition, hoping for a positive outcome for the champion.
Woffinden’s career, marked by three world championships in 2013, 2015, and 2018, has inspired many in the sport. His return to racing was highly anticipated, and this unfortunate incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a promising season for both him and ZKS Stal Rzeszów.
The speedway community is rallying around Woffinden, with many expressing their thoughts and prayers for his swift recovery. As the situation develops, fans, teammates, and competitors alike remain hopeful that the champion will overcome this challenge and return to the track where he has made a significant impact.
In conclusion, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with speedway racing, and the importance of having robust safety measures in place. As the news unfolds, the focus remains on Woffinden’s health and the support of the community during this difficult time.
