David Watt has shaken off the disappointment of not being selected in the Australian team for the 2007 FIM Speedway World Cup Race-Off, with news that he has been included in the line-up for the final.

Watt was evidently upset when he found out that he would not be in the Race-Off team, but managed to put his disappointment behind him to lend support to his fellow Australian team-mates.

The mood was a little different on Friday however, when after a practise session he was informed that he would be riding in the final, in place of Rory Schlein.

The selection was made by Team Manager Craig Boyce in consultation with Australia’s senior riders, and Watt was buoyant as he described just what it feels like to know that he will be riding for his country.

“It’s a big thing to be a part of, so I am obviously super happy with it,” he said.

“It is something that you always want to be a part of, and this time I get my chance, so it is fantastic.

“The difference in feeling between today and yesterday is too immense to explain.”

Indeed, Watt was feeling downbeat after his omission from the Race-Off team, but says now that he will be riding in the final, he will do his best to prove that Boyce’s selection is the correct one.

“I was quite upset yesterday because I have worked so hard all year and felt that I deserved a shot, but that’s the decision that was made and whilst I was upset at the time, I got behind the boys at the meeting.

“I did what I could for them and they got us through to the final, and now I’ve got my chance so hopefully I can do what I’ve been doing all year long and win some races.

Watt’s bare back is truly a sight to behold – a huge tattoo of a coloured ‘W’ with bat wings on either side of it, adorns the upper half of his body.

Despite the tattoo being unfinished, Watt said that it serves as a reminder to prove that he can do anything he wants if he just focuses in on his goals.

“It is just something for myself to remind me that I am who I am and that I can do whatever I want if I put my mind to it.

“It is unfinished because I keep bloody forgetting to finish it off!

“There is only so much that you can do in one session, and there is obviously a lot more to do on it, but being behind you all the time, you never get to see it.”

While his race-suit will be covering up the ‘flying W’, Watt’s back is hopefully a sight that the Danish, Polish and English riders will become familiar with tomorrow night.