Words: Hayley Bromley
Images: Ian Charles
ADAM Ellis was crowned the 2021 Sports Insure British Speedway Champion after a stunning evening of racing in Manchester, with Dan Bewley taking silver and Charles Wright bronze.
Ellis proved a surprise package in this year’s competition at the National Speedway Stadium, and after a third place in his opening ride he went unbeaten through the card to claim his first British title.
His qualifying efforts put him straight through to the Grand Final on the night, along with 2019 British Champion Wright, while the remaining two spots were decided in a dramatic semi-final clash.
Meeting favourite Bewley had to secure his title bid by fending off the challenge of Chris Harris, Kyle Howarth, and Scott Nicholls, which he duly did with Harris also making the cut for the final.
The chase for the trophy was wide open as they came to the tapes for the grand finale, but it was Ellis who gated a rocket and sealed his place in British Speedway history.
Ellis said: “It feels amazing to hold this trophy. It’s been a long, tough night and I’m beyond delighted to walk away with the win.
“I honestly didn’t expect this. I certainly wanted it and I wasn’t here to make up the numbers, and there have been quite a few shock winners in the British Final over the last few years.
“We all knew that Dan [Bewley] was the man to beat and I knew I’d have to work hard, but anything can happen in this meeting and I’m just thrilled to have won on the night.”
Dan Bewley said: “I’d like to have been one step higher on the podium but it just wasn’t to be this time, and I’m still happy to come away as the British No.2.
“It was a brilliant final and me and Charles [Wright] had a really good tussle but by the time I could have a crack at Adam [Ellis] he was too far up the road.
“We battled away all night. I was struggling out of the gates which put me behind in places but I still felt fast, and I’m not disappointed with second place. I’m happy to be on the podium.”
Charles Wright added: “I feel like this has done me the world of good. I’ve been looking for something all season and now I feel I’ve got something that is working for me.
“Finishing first in 2019 and now third in 2021 is not a bad record, and this result means even more to me after all the struggles I’ve been going through recently.
“I feel confident and I feel much quicker on the bike. This is a personal win for many reasons and I’m looking forward to kicking on with the rest of the season.”
