KING’S Lynn celebrated securing star turns Richard Lawson and Thomas Jorgensen for 2022 by completing a rousing comeback to draw 45-45 with Sheffield.

Minors and Brady Stars bosses treated fans to the double announcement, confirming that the big guns who have led the charge in what has been a troubled campaign will be back at the Adrian Flux Arena next term.

That news dropped during the interval and while the Tigers bit when the action resumed, restoring a six-point lead through Jack Holder and Troy Batchelor, the Stars surged back again to restore parity.

Promoter Dale Allitt dedicated the boost to the home faithful and hailed the impact of Lawson who has racked up no fewer than 30 wins and weighed in with 157 points in 14 meetings.

“Thank you for sticking with us this year, let’s just say it has been a trying year for many different reasons,” said Allitt.

“Ironically, the team has got better as the season has gone on. We have made tweaks but there is still work to do, we know that. I think we are more competitive and you can see that from the way the riders are riding.

“We have looked to 2022 and we don’t normally do that at King’s Lynn, we tend to keep you waiting but one of the shining lights of 2021 will be back for next year, Richard Lawson.

“He could not be here tonight because of injury but we are delighted to get Richard secured. His form has been fantastic, his attitude first class and he has not only contributed points but had a positive impact on those around him.”

Team boss Alex Brady then took over to double the joy with news of Jorgensen’s retention.

“I’d echo what Dale said about sticking with us this year, it was not the year we wanted but we are committed to making sure 2022 is much more successful on the track and off the track too,” said Brady.

“With that in mind, also returning for the Stars next year is probably the most popular man in the pits, Thomas Jorgensen.

“Everyone loves the way Thomas is so dedicated not only in his races but to King’s Lynn Speedway and that is why we are so delighted to keep him here.”

Jorgensen added: “It was a fairly easy decision, it is a club and a track that I love so and I am looking forward to it.

“We will be aiming for a much better season, it has been a tough year but we are working hard to come up with something better for next year.”

As for the action, the Stars took until heat eight to take a chequered flag when Ben Barker trumped Troy Batchelor, kicking off three straight 4-2 heat advantages to slash Sheffield’s eight-point cushion at the halfway stage.

Lewis Kerr followed that with the first of three straight victories and his point in the last-heat decider, earned by passing the previously unbeaten Jack Holder, bagged the draw to bring down the curtain on King's Lynn's home meetings.

“It was a tough night, I was pretty busy but I have had a couple of good weeks and my confidence is high,” said Kerr.

“It is a shame that the home meetings have ended now but we will look to take this into the away meetings we have left and hopefully pick up some points.”

FULL REPORT

KING’S Lynn thrilled fans with a strong comeback in a tense contest with Sheffield.

Michael Palm Toft made an emotional return to Stars colours as a guest for the injured Richard Lawson and even wore his race suit from the last time he raced for the club.

Kerr was magnificent in carding a brilliant 14+1 score and Palm Toft notched 10+1.

Sheffield held the upper hand for large parts of the meeting but Alex Brady’s Stars dug deep to take it to a last-heat decider.

The visitors were 37-35 up and looking good for a 5-1 in heat 13 but British champion Adam Ellis fell when leading to keep alive the home side’s hopes.

Kerr’s third win on the bounce meant the sides went into heat 15 level and although Josh Pickering won the decider for Sheffield, his third chequered flag of the night, King’s Lynn packed the minor placings to claim a point.

KING’S LYNN 45: Lewis Kerr 14+1, Michael Palm Toft 10+1, Kasper Andersen 6+1, Ben Barker 6, Thomas Jorgensen 5+1, Erik Riss 2+1, Connor Mountain 2+1

SHEFFIELD 45: Josh Pickering 13, Jack Holder 12, Adam Ellis 8, Troy Batchelor 5+1, Danyon Hume 4, Kyle Howarth 2, Jack Thomas 1