West Cumbrian Dan Bewley will lead Great Britain into Test Match action against the USA in California tonight.
The nations meet on American soil for the first time at the Kern Raceway in Bakersville.
Bewley, World No.4, is captain of a GB side which also includes four riders who will compete for Ipswich in the Premiership this season – Tom Brennan, Adam Ellis, Dan Thompson and Jordan Jenkins. Leon Flint and Ashton Boughen complete the septet.
Bewley said: “It’s a cool track and they’re a nice bunch of people putting the meeting on, so I’m really looking forward to it. Being No.1 definitely looks cool, but we’ll see how we go.”
USA boss Steve Evans has previously arranged clashes with the Rest of the World and is delighted to now be staging an official Test match.
The home side track Leicester star Luke Becker along with several riders with UK experience including Gino Manzares, Broc Nicol, Max Ruml and former Coventry favourite Billy Janniro.
Evans said: “Racing against another country, not least the current world champions, takes this event to a whole different level.
“Great Britain has set the highest standards, not only on the track but off the track with a very professional and well-organised structure.”
