A world champion from another sphere put into perspective Dan Bewley’s British Grand Prix triumph.
Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan, celebrity guest on Euro Sport’s coverage of the Cardiff spectacular spotted why the West Cumbrian was successful.
He said: “It was obvious the riders weren’t happy with the condition of the track. They were all complaining with one exception – Dan Bewley.
“He just knuckled down and got on with it and that’s what you have to do some times to be a champion.”
There had been lots of complaints from riders, which is why the track grading took extra longer ahead of the semi-finals and final.
“I was happy with gate two in the final and when I made the start I just concentrated on putting in a good first lap.
“I didn’t even look round, just kept it going and it was an awesome feeling crossing the line.
“I’d just like to thank my pits crew and all the fans who gave me such terrific backing on the night. It was amazing.
“It was pretty crazy. It was only the last lap of the final where I really noticed the crowd. You have to remain focused and not let the bike get ahead of you on these tracks.
“I was just thinking ‘we’re here, we’re here – don’t throw it away.’ It all worked out well.
“I stayed cool and this gives me a taste of what it’s like to win. It only makes me want to have more wins now.”
The 23-year-old Bewley had started his career with the Belle Vue Colts in the National Development League and with Workington Comets in the Championship.
His team manager at Workington, Tony Jackson was at Cardiff to support him and said: “I am absolutely chuffed for him. What a performance and thoroughly deserved.
“He put up the fastest time on the night, her was the top scorer in the heats and then winning his first final.
“Little did I expect when I sent him out for his first ever professional race at Newcastle early in 2016 that it would lead to this in such a short space of time.
“By the time he rode for us in 2018 as a member of our treble-winning team at the Comets his potential was clear to see and we did feel he was a potential Grand Prix rider.
Dan Bewley, you beauty!
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 13, 2022
A superb start and he never looks back on his way to winning his first Grand Prix – and becoming the first British champion in Cardiff since 2007.
Listen to them roar him home at the Principality Stadium ????️????️????️ pic.twitter.com/kFfUgKCOon
“For him to win his home GP in his first season in with the big boys is the stuff of dreams.
“Let’s not forget this comes just under four years since his horror crash at Derwent Park on August 25 2018 which could easily have stopped his progress in its tracks.
“But Dan is made of strong stuff and bounced back from that to reach this level is a fantastic achievement.
“Finally the role of Steve Lawson in Dan’s career development cannot be understated.
“He has been there every step of the way from Dan’s first ever rides on a speedway bike and he was with him in Cardiff as part of his pit crew.
“I’m delighted for Steve, too. Just a fantastic night all round.”
The first British winner in Cardiff in 15 years Bewley picked up 20 championship points to move him onto 64 which puts him comfortably in the top six in the standings.
And all this as a rider who was brought into the Grand Prix series as a substitute for the suspended Russians – and the next GP is at his home track in Poland!
