PETERBOROUGH racer Charles Wright admitted it was a ‘dream come true’ to win the British Final in Manchester.
Wright, from Stockport, had plenty of support at the National Speedway Stadium as he enjoyed the biggest night of his career.
His national glory also means he will now head to Cardiff for the FIM British Grand Prix on September 21 as wildcard in front of 40,000 fans.
He had to work hard to reach the Grand Final after a controversial exclusion in his fourth ride left him needing points to make the semi-final.
But he responded brilliantly and when he lined up for the final he faced top scorer Danny King along with two other former champions Craig Cook and Chris Harris.
And the Panthers man made a stunning move to pull clear down the back straight with King and Cook battling each other to take up the challenge - but Wright had too much speed.
He said: “I felt quick all night and I knew if I could get to the dirt first in the final that I’d be away. That’s how it turned out.
“I don’t think I’m shocked. I’ve always had the belief that I’ve got the ability but it feels great to have done it.
“I’m not quite fit after the crash at Peterborough, I’d say I’m about 90 per cent. But it feels OK when you are on the bike.
“I might feel a bit sore in the morning, but that might be my head because of all the beers I’m going to have!”
Crendon Panthers colleague Scott Nicholls found the going tough with six points and missed out on a semi-final spot on a pulsating night of racing.
BRITISH FINAL, Belle Vue QUALIFYING SCORERS: Danny King 14, Craig Cook 12, Chris Harris 11, Charles Wright 11, Steve Worrall 11, Lewis Kerr 8, Rory Schlein 8, Richard Lawson 7, Josh Auty 7, Scott Nicholls 6, Edward Kennett 6, Danny Ayres 6, Paul Starke 6, Dan Bewley 3, Kyle Newman 3, Simon Lambert 1, Kyle Bickley (res) 0, Leon Flint (res) 0. SEMI-FINAL: Wright, Harris, Worrall, Kerr. GRAND FINAL: Wright, King, Cook, Harris.