KING’S Lynn man Josh Auty fell agonisingly short of a semi-final appearance in the Premiership Riders’ Championship at Belle Vue on Saturday night.
Auty accepted a late call-up to the event after Robert Lambert pulled out with a knee injury, and he took his chance with both hands.
The Trucks R Us Stars man suffered bike problems in his opening ride but recovered to score eight points, including a heat nine win which was awarded after a truly breathtaking battle with Fricke saw the Belle Vue man bring down Auty entering the final lap.
Yet despite his determined efforts, he narrowly missed out on countback after five riders ended tied on eight points apiece.
Meanwhile, Thomas Jorgensen endured a tough night in a strong field. He scored two points in his opening ride but failed to score in his next three outing before missing his final race due to bike problems.
QUALIFYING SCORES (After 20 heats): Craig Cook 13, Freddie Lindgren 11, Hans Andersen 10, Josh Grajczonek 9, Max Fricke 9, Jacob Thorssell 8, Scott Nicholls 8, Nick Morris 8, Chris Harris 8, Josh Auty 8, Jason Doyle 7, Brady Kurtz 7, Kim Nilsson 5, Richard Lawson 5, Danny King 2, Thomas Jorgensen 2, Rob Shuttleworth 0 (reserve).
