Norwich speedway star 'happy' after winning third national title

A speedway star said he was "happy" to get his hands on his third national title and second in a row.

Robert Lambert, 28, from Norwich, crossed the line first in the Cab Direct British Final at the National Speedway Stadium, in Belle Vue, Manchester.

The biker, who will lead Great Britain in the World Cup Final later this month, scored a 15-point maximum in the qualifying races before carrying his good form into the final.

Fellow Norfolk rider, 16-year-old Cooper Rushen, from King's Lynn, also put in an impressive performance on what his debut appearance, finishing in fourth place.

Speaking after his victory, Lambert said: "Today is one of those days where you need to win.

"I came here and everyone thought I'd already won before I turned a wheel.

"But the others are all gunning for that first spot and I can make mistakes, so it can be more difficult to come to a meeting like this because of that kind of pressure.

"I had to go for it and I backed myself to be able to do it. I'm happy to get my name on the trophy for the third time and for the second time in a row."

Former champion Charles Wright finished runner-up for the second season running in front of Leon Flint, while youngster Rushen secured a top four finish.

While he did not make it on the podium, Rushen, who started senior racing this season, received the Nigel Pearson Award, which is given to the most exciting rider.

"If you had offered me fourth place before tonight I would have taken it, but once you get yourself into the final then of course you want to get something out of it," he said.

"But this was a very big confidence boost for me. So yes, a good night for me and it was a lot of fun out there."

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