Robert Lambert put himself in a great position to compete for the World Under-21 title with an outstanding home-track showing.
The King's Lynn Stars rider, 18, dropped only two points during the first meeting of the three-round 2016 final at Saddlebow Road. Although that haul was not enough to see Lambert win Saturday's event, the Foulsham-based racer remained upbeat.
Lambert said: 'It was a hard night with a lot of tough races, and I nearly managed to go through the card.
'I thought gate four was going to be the one for me in the final, but I just didn't quite get to the corner first. I'm not disappointed with my first final, I just need to move on. There are two more rounds and I need to build on it.'
Lambert finished runner-up to fast-gating Pole Krystian Pieszczek. But the two have stolen a march on their rivals with Lambert one point adrift of Pieszczek but already six ahead of Jack Holder, third.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here