West Cumbrian Dan Bewley crashed out of the Speedway of Nations final in Poland.
The Belle Vue ace, from Maryport, was unable to take his last two rides after a fall.
It was unlucky heat 13 for Bewley as he went down and was excluded after a tough, but fair battle with world champion Bartosz Zmarzlik.
Bewley had been out of the points in his first ride, then had a third and a win before the fall.
His six points, and team-mates Robert Lambert (16) and Tom Brennan (2) – gave them 24 and fifth place out of the seven finalists.
Bewley’s Belle Vue team-mate Brady Kurtz and Sheffield star Jack Holder sealed victory for Australia at Torun.
They got the better of host nation Poland in the Final to take the crown for their country for the second time in four years, Holder having been involved when they won in Denmark in 2022.
Kurtz said: “I actually thought it was all over when the tapes went up. I didn’t make the best start at all. But I squeezed in there somehow and got to the outside. I knew I had to get to the fence.
“Jack was so solid all night. He made every start, looked for me and gave me the run through. Sure enough, when the straight came in the grand final, Jack was in front, looking over his shoulder and waiting for me to come past.
“Once we hit the front, I was checking the big screen every lap and we were solid all race. We were so good together. Once we hit the front, I was pretty confident that we could get it done, and I am really happy with this one.”
