BRITISH SPEEDWAY JULY 26, 2023

Feature photo: Great Britain team

Bewley spearheads GB’s World Cup final qualification

Bell Vue star Dan Bewley led the scoring as Great Britain charged into the FIM Speedway World Cup Final with victory in Tuesday’s opener at Wroclaw.

Bewley scored 14 points from a possible 15 as GB won semi-final 1 with a total of 43, comfortably ahead of Sweden on 32 with the Czech Republic edging out Germany for third place.
GB’s other two Grand Prix riders, Robert Lambert and Tai Woffinden, scored 13 and 10 respectively with Adam Ellis adding four, whilst Tom Brennan took one ride and scored two.
They join hosts Poland in Saturday’s Final, where they will be joined by the winners of semi-final 2 involving Denmark, Australia, France and Finland, with the fourth nation in the decider to come from Friday’s Race-Off.
Bewley said: “Whatever four teams are in the Final, it’s going to be pretty tough. I am just looking forward to it. We will see what we can do.
“It’s always nice, racing in Wroclaw. I am stoked to have raced in my first World Cup. I think it’s the best meeting there is. I am just stoked to be here.
“Thanks to the British fans for coming and for the Polish people who were supporting us too. We had some friends everywhere. It’s midweek and it’s tough for people to come here. I think there will be an even better turnout for the weekend.”
 
(SPEEDWAY 2)

OXFORD look to go back to the top of the National Development League when they host Kent at Cowley tonight (Wednesday).
The Chargers are fourth in the standings but have matches in hand on Mildenhall and Belle Vue in what looks set to be a tight fight for places in the Grand Final, with champions Leicester also very much in the picture.
The home side welcome back Luke Killeen from injury and hand a debut to Jason Garrad, whilst the injury-hit Royals operate rider replacement for Jack Kingston and bring in Ashton Vale to replace Rhys Naylor.
Chargers boss Peter Schroeck said: “The boys have been keeping themselves busy, so there’s no danger of us being a little rusty. We know Jordan (Jenkins), Henry (Atkins) and Ryan (Kinsley) have been playing vital roles in the Cheetahs squad, and the rest of the team have been ticking over too.
“The ruthless format of the National League this year means there’s little margin for error. We must place in the top two if we’re to advance to the Grand Final, so winning home meetings is key.
“We’ve done that well so far this year, and on Wednesday we’re looking to keep that run going.”
Kent manager Jamie Willis said: “Si (Kellow) and I are gutted that Rhys and Jack won’t be joining us. However we are pleased that Ashton Vale will be replacing Rhys in the reserve birth for this meeting.
“We know how strong Oxford are at home, but we go into this meeting with the same mindset as any other meeting, to win!”
 
(FIXTURES)

WEDNESDAY JULY 26:
CAB DIRECT CHAMPIONSHIP: Poole (54) v Birmingham (36) OFF
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Oxford v Kent 7.30

THURSDAY JULY 27:
SPORTS INSURE PREMIERSHIP R2: King’s Lynn v Peterborough 7.30

FRIDAY JULY 28:
CAB DIRECT CHAMPIONSHIP: Edinburgh v Berwick 7pm, Redcar (38) v Oxford (52) 7.30, Scunthorpe v Birmingham 7.30
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE: Edinburgh v Berwick (follows Champ fixture)