PETERBOROUGH promoter Ged Rathbone believes an exciting era for British speedway is ahead.

The ‘T Balfe Construction’ Panthers chief made that prediction after overseeing a successful staging of the British Under 21 Championship semi-final at the East of England Showground last night (Tuesday).

“It was great to see so many promising British talents produce such an exciting meeting,” said Rathbone.

“Some of the racing was absolutely fantastic and it highlights how far we have come in terms of bringing through young riders.

"The future is going to be bright if this is anything to go by and the Peterborough promotion will always do everything possible to back the Brits.

"It was an honour to stage the meeting and we’d gladly hold it again in the future - and we’d also love to bring the final to the Showground.”

Poole man James Shanes was declared the winner after being one of three riders to rack up 12 points. Zach Wajtknecht (Swindon and Lakeside) and Connor Mountain (Ipswich and Mildenhall) were the others.

Peterborough asset Danny Phillips produced a smart performance to finish on 11 with Jack Smith (10) also reaching double-figures.

Ellis Perks, Nathan Greaves, Danyon Hume, Nathan Stoneman and Luke Harris filled the other qualifying spots for the April 26 final at Poole.

BRITISH UNDER 21 CHAMPIONSHIP
Semi-final result: James Shanes 12, Zach Wajtknecht 12, Connor Mountain 12, Danny Phillips 11, Jack Smith 10, Ellis Perks 9, Nathan Greaves 9, Danyon Hume 9, Nathan Stoneman 8, Luke Harris 7, Josh Bailey 6, Danno Verge 5, Alfie Bowell 3, Kelsey Dugard 2, Jack Thomas 2, Jamie Halder 2, Kyle Bickley (res) 1.

Seeded to the final: Josh Bates, Robert Lambert, Adam Ellis, Liam Carr, Max Clegg, Dan Bewley.

PODIUM PICTURE: From the left are last night's top three Connor Mountain, James Shanes and Zach Wajtknecht (credit: Steve Hone).