MARK PLUMMER catches up with a two-time World Cup winner, a two-time Elite League winner and a four-time GP winner in his latest 'Friday Feature' . . .
NO wonder HANS ANDERSEN is a happy man.
The Coventry number one is back from the World Cup wilderness and only five rides from becoming a GP rider again.
The Dane's expertise at Vastervik "“ his home track in the Swedish Elitserien "“ will no doubt have worked in his favour as he got the nod from national chief Anders Secher ahead of Event Two on July 29.
He's hoping a good performance there, combined with the same train of thought for the Danish management, could see him retain his place for the latter stages even though there are a myriad of stellar skidders waiting in the wings.
"Getting the phone call from the Danish boss was a big pat on the back," said Andersen, who led his nation to victory in 2006 and 2008.
"It means a lot to race for my country, especially at a time when we have so many top riders. Denmark could probably track two competitive teams in the World Cup if we were allowed to do it!
"I've been performing well at Vastervik and hopefully I can pass on my knowledge of the track to the other guys. Everyone knows we have guys like Nicki (Pedersen) and Niels (Iversen) sitting on the sidelines for the later events, but I hope I can do enough to keep myself in the team.
"The Race-Off and Final are at Bydgoszcz which is also one of my home tracks and a place I love."
The World Cup is not the only key date looming large on Andersen's horizon. He's off to the Grand Prix Challenge at Lonigo in late September where a return to the sport's biggest stage looks, on current form and one particular piece of past form, to be well within his grasp.
"A few people have asked me if I actually want to race in the GPs again," added Andersen, who claimed the last of his four GP triumphs at Lonigo in 2008. "Put it this way, I would not take up a place in the qualifiers and potentially block another rider's involvement if I was not serious about it.
"I thought I had a good chance in the GP Challenge at Poole last year, but I ended up with gate four twice and it was terrible. I think only 12 points were scored from there all meeting.
"That shows you need a bit of luck on your side and I know I'm still capable of beating the best on any given day.
"I will probably approach things a bit differently if I do make it back into the World Championship. I see Greg Hancock doing what he is doing at 44 years of age, so hopefully at 33 I've got a few good years left in me."
Andersen reckons he has arrived at the ideal work-life balance as his league racing commitments allow him to spend plenty of time at home with his young son.
Fourteen month-old August has made a big difference to his life. Andersen is well aware of the juggling act he faces between continuing to forge a highly-successful racing career and not missing out on those magical parenting moments.
"Not only have I regained my confidence on the track, but I have a well-balanced life off it," he continued.
"All my racing tends to fall into place so I can have at least a couple of days at home with the family most weeks.
"That is hugely important to me. I want to be there while my son is growing up, but I also want to give us financial security from speedway.
"I don't want to be in a position where I have to get up at 6am to do a job I don't enjoy after retiring from speedway.
"I have a qualification in toolmaking, but I'm not sure I will want to go down that route. I've not really given life after speedway any thought to be honest.
"If you start thinking about the future, you are not focusing on the present."
That's certainly not a trap he will allow himself to fall into as he attempts to clinch a third Elite League title this season.
His Coventry side are on the fringes of the play-off places and determined to force their way inside the top four.
Andersen also rates his Bees team boss Gary Havelock highly "“ and that's not the sort of statement you would have expected in the past.
Havelock was publicly critical of Andersen following a controversial end to the Speedway World Final of 2004 at Poole.
But they have forged an excellent working relationship as they bid to plot a play-off tilt for the Bees.
"I wasn't sure how our relationship would be," continued Andersen. "Havvy had shown some public dislike after the World Cup in '04, but hats off to him because he is one of the best team managers I've worked with in England.
"He always make sure everyone is having a good time. He likes to have plenty of banter flying around and he has a lot of knowledge to pass on. He works really hard with the younger lads in the team.
"I just hope we can get ourselves into the play-offs and have a go at winning the league. I've won it twice in England and would love to do it again.
"On paper it looks like the title is King's Lynn's, but that's the beauty of speedway because the strongest team does not always win.
"I rate our own team highly but we still haven't all clicked on the same night. I wouldn't want to be the team that is facing when that does happen because they will get a real walloping!"
Weather permitting, Andersen will be in action tonight when Coventry entertain Belle Vue (7.30pm).
