British Speedway final abandoned as Adam Ellis receives FIM Grand Prix wildcard spot

The British Speedway final comes to a premature end as weather conditions result in a meeting abandonment while reigning champion Adam Ellis will go to Cardiff later this month as a wildcard for the FIM Speedway GP.

An entertaining night of racing at the National Speedway Stadium was halted after 12 heats due to weather concerns, bringing the meeting to a close after long deliberation by the race officials. No result has been declared and will be rescheduled for a later date, leading to the title holder Adam Ellis heading to the Welsh capital to face off against the sport’s greatest talent.

It was far from a smooth-sailing affair for the Sheffield rider, however, failing to score in his first ride as Tom Brennan came from behind to take victory in heat 4. The young Belle Vue star fended off the chasing Scott Nicholls and Danny King to great success while Ellis found himself off the pace at the back of the pack.

His night went from bad to worse in heat 7 as his bike failed to kick into gear as he approached the start line. The former Birmingham no. 5 fell short of the two-minute count-down and was subsequently replaced by Jack Smith. 

Third time lucky and the 26-year-old had his first point as he fended off Wolverhampton reserve Leon Flint to come home in third while his Sheffield counterpart Kyle Howarth stormed to victory. 

After three rides each, nothing could separate trio Chris Harris, Dan Bewley and Tom Brennan with all on eight points. British speedway veteran “Bomber” Harris made the perfect start to the event despite troubles off the gate, fighting his way from the back to pass Leon Flint on the second bend of the final lap with his experience all too clear to see. 

A firm favourite going into the event, Bewley duly delivered with a sterling ride in heat 2, charging into the lead from the gates before bringing home a routine three points. Brennan looked to make the most of the outing too as he faced off against three British champions from the off. Such a challenge did not faze the 21-year-old, however, picking off his opposition one-by-one as he defended well against Scott Nicholls to get his first points on the board.

Great rides by Bewley and Harris in heats 6 and 7 respectively extended their lead at the top of the pile while an enthralling encounter between Brennan and Bewley in heat 9 led to the former picking up his second win in what was a statement performance. In the penultimate ride of the night, Harris registered another two points only to be denied the race win courtesy of a strong defensive display from teammate Scott Nicholls. 

Elsewhere, Kyle Howarth and Danny King ended the night strongly with the latter coming out on top in the final event of the night to bring his tally to seven, putting the Ipswich man inside the playoff spots. 

Witches duo Paul Starke and Danyon Hume had a difficult day at the office, picking up just one point between them in six rides while Connor Mountain scored once back in heat 1, fending off Steve Worrall in the process.

The date for the rescheduled meeting is currently unknown while attentions turn to the British Grand Prix in Cardiff on August 13.

RESULT (after Heat 12): Chris Harris 8, Dan Bewley 8, Tom Brennan 8, Danny King 7, Scott Nicholls 7, Kyle Howarth 6, Steve Worrall 5, Charles Wright 5, Lewis Kerr 5, Richard Lawson 4, Richie Worrall 3, Leon Flint 2, Connor Mountain 1, Paul Starke 1, Adam Ellis 1, Danyon Hume 0.

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