Connor Bailey, Workington Comets number one, has admitted he was very disappointed to miss out on a reserve spot at the British Grand Prix.
The Australian-born British Under-21s champion has been overlooked in favour of Anders Rowe and Dan Gilkes, whom he beat to win the title.
Bailey, who has been riding well in all three Leagues this season for Workington, Redcar and Belle Vue, has taken to his Facebook page to answer a statement made by British Youth boss Neil Vatcher.
In a comment on the official British Speedway website yesterday Vatcher said: “British Under-21 Champion Connor Bailey was also amongst the riders considered; however, after he turned down opportunities to represent Great Britain in the recent FIM Speedway of Nations 2, and to ride in the British Final, the decision was taken to select Anders and Jason.”
Bailey goes on to say: “For clarity, I was asked to be the reserve at SoN 2 behind Dan Gilkes and Anders Rowe, both of whom I had beaten to the U21 title a couple of weeks earlier. Aside from the logistical and commercial challenges of getting to Latvia, riding at reserve would not have guaranteed that I saw much action.
“Regarding my invite to participate in the British Final, this invite was received at 9pm the night before the event, when I was away celebrating my 21st birthday.
“Up until this point no one had mentioned to me that I might be considered for a spot in main line-up of the final. Had I had more notice of this, I would have jumped at the chance!
“It saddens me greatly that these two instances appear to have brought into question my commitment to speedway and have impacted my chances of taking one of the reserve spots at the Cardiff SGP in what would have been an incredible experience.
“Meanwhile, I would like to wish Anders and Jason the best of luck at the event.”
Bailey will be back in action tonight for Redcar in a Championship meeting at home to Birmingham.
