Something will have to give when a quartet of Kent TouchTec Kings' riders go into action in the first GB U21 semi final at the Isle of Wight this evening (Tuesday 16th.) - with only three places available for the Final at Berwick on April 27th.
The awesome foursome starting their 2019 Speedway season in this most competitive of individual action are third year Kings' rider, Anders Rowe; another who alongside Anders is one of the most highly fancied to get through this challenging semi, Jordan Jenkins; competition first-timer, Alex Spooner; and the youngest rider in the field, Nathan Ablitt.
Ablitt is also the only reigning national champion in the field, having won the 250cc GB Youth title last term and after impressing at Sunday's Practice Day for his new side looks a good pick as a dark horse - though he has a real baptism of fire facing the two most experienced riders in the field in his very opening heat: the SGB Championship team Scunthorpe rider, Ryan Kinsley and the sole Scottish competitor, Leicester Lion Cubs' Luke Ruddick.
For the first time in the GB U21's long history a 12 rider, 15 heat format is used - with the top eight entering two semi finals. The first two from each semi will then contest the Grand Final with just three places in the field at Berwick 11 days later available. Drawn at numbers 10, 11 & 12 remarkably are the other three TouchTec Kings' youngsters , so teens Spooner, Jenkins and Rowe will renew acquaintances very early in the meeting, clashing for vital qualification points in heat three.
Two riders who'll be pitched up against the Kings in the opening meeting at Central Park on Easter Monday are Belle Vue Colts' Ben Woodhull and 2019 newcomer, Jordan Palin. Also a newcomer to league racing this year making an early appearance in this championship is the home club's Chad Wirtzfeld,; with the hosts' other reserve Connor King also in the field; which is completed by Stoke's Joe Alcock and a rider Kent will be facing on Good Friday in National Trophy action, Plymouth Gladiators' Jamie Bursill.
Draw order: NATHAN ABLITT (Kent TouchTec Kings); Luke Ruddick (Leicster Lion Cubs); Ryan Kinsley (Scunthorpe Scorpions); Chad Wirtzfeld (Isle of Wight Warriors); Ben Woodhull (Belle Vue Colts); Jamie Bursill (Plymouth Gladiators); Connor King (Isle of Wight Warriors);
Joe Alcock (Stoke Potters); Jordan Palin (Belle Vue Colts); ALEX SPOONER (Kent TouchTec Kings); JORDAN JENKINS (Kent TouchTec Kings); ANDERS ROWE (Kent TouchTec Kings) . The action gets underway at 7pm at Isle Of Wight Speedway, Andrew Younie Stadium, Ashey Road, Smallbrook, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 4BH