There’s plenty of Cumbrian interest in Monday’s British Final Championship at Belle Vue.
Five former Workington Comets riders are involved – three of them hailing from West Cumbria.
Dan Bewley, a current Grand Prix rider; Craig Cook, a former winner and Richard Lawson, son of ex-Workington and Glasgow star Steve Lawson will all fancy their chances.
Charles Wright, another former winner, and Kyle Howarth complete the Comets connection.
The draw has just been made ahead of the Sports Insure-sponsored final.
Sheffield star Adam Ellis will be defending the title he won at the National Speedway Stadium last summer.
He has been drawn at No.15 and faces a mouth-watering opening ride in Heat 4 against former champions Danny King and Scott Nicholls, and current British U21 Champion Tom Brennan.
The winner of the meeting has the additional incentive of a wild card place for the British Grand Prix at Cardiff on August 13.
DRAW: 1. Craig Cook, 2. Leon Flint, 3. Chris Harris, 4. Steve Worrall, 5. Kyle Howarth, 6. Dan Bewley, 7. Paul Starke, 8. Ben Barker, 9. Charles Wright, 10. Lewis Kerr, 11. Richard Lawson, 12. Richie Worrall, 13. Danny King, 14. Scott Nicholls, 15. Adam Ellis, 16. Tom Brennan.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that British Speedway will honour legendary broadcaster and writer Nigel Pearson at the event.
Supporters will be given the opportunity to vote for the winner of the inaugural Nigel Pearson Award, which will be presented after the meeting to the rider judged to have provided the most entertainment.
The event was always one of Nigel’s favourites on the calendar and he especially enjoyed the ‘underdog’ stories which arose, such as the memorable race between the late Danny Ayres and Chris Harris in 2019.
After Heat 20 on Monday, four candidates will be nominated for the award, and supporters will then be able to vote in a Twitter poll for the night’s most entertaining rider.
The announcement of the contenders will be made at the stadium and on BSP social media channels, with the vote closing in time for presentations after the Final.
A statement said: “British Speedway is delighted to launch the award in memory of Nigel, whose tragic passing in April is still felt by everyone throughout the sport.”
