The first of the Midlands rounds saw wins for some of 2014’s main contenders with a move up an age group not proving an obstacle for Connor Steel, and unbeaten afternoons for both Brandon Whetton and Elizabeth Rigley. It was encouraging to see A final successes for Tyler Bould and Spencer Sawbridge, with newcomers Jack Reynolds and Ben Wells also claiming second places.

The all action Sophia Sinclair-Black had to visit hospital after a nasty fall but she later re-appeared patched up and hopefully will be back in action for Round 2.

A special mention to Ralph and Angela Doughty who spent their wedding anniversary refereeing and running the canteen – just a reminder of the dedication of cycle speedway folk. Who knows Ralph might even remember the date next year!

Grand Prix results:

U8 – Boyd Haines

U10 A – Connor Steel, Jack Reynolds, Todd Rowley, Crystal Morgans
U10 B – Megan Burt, Charmaine Wells

U12 A – Tyler Bould, Ben Wells, Ryan Winwood, Sophia Sinclair Black
U12 B – Rory Haywood, Georgia Burt, Macey Burden, Amanda Rigley
U12 C – Honey Whitehead, Sian Raynor

U14 A – Spencer Sawbridge, Jimmy Wassall, Ollie Morris, Josh Whetton
U14 B – Liam Cartwright, Kyle Ryan, Jack Bayliss, Marc Phipps
U14 C – Max Wells, Korben Thompson, James Richards

U17 A – Brandon Whetton, Haydn Rowley, Charlie Barnett, Joel Duckham
U17 B – Josh Marsh, Matt Hambidge, Adam Tipton

Girls A – Elizabeth Rigley, Chloe Whitehead, Sammi Marsh, Bailie Phillips
Girls B – Emily Pitt

40 riders

Wednesfield 136, Coventry 111, Leicester 96, Birmingham 62, East Park 23