Robert Lambert is on a mission to claim his third British Championship title, aiming to etch his name in the annals of speedway history. The 28-year-old, known for his speed and skill, is the red-hot favorite to secure his third national crown at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester on Saturday night. This highly anticipated event, broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX at 7 pm, marks a significant return to terrestrial TV for speedway, a sport that once captivated audiences on ITV's World of Sport in the 1980s. The comeback is largely attributed to the backing of Harry Redknapp, who has been instrumental in reviving interest in the sport.
Lambert, a Norwich-born ace, faces formidable competition from former champions Chris Harris, Craig Cook, Adam Ellis, Danny King, and Charles Wright. Last year's final in Manchester was a spectacle, with 17 passes in just one minute of chaotic action, making it one of the best races in the sport's history. Lambert, however, has his eyes set on a more ambitious goal: matching and then surpassing Scott Nicholls' record of seven national titles.
In his own words, Lambert expresses his ambition, "It would be nice. What Scott did is pretty incredible. When I was younger and watching the British Finals, he was unstoppable at that time. So if I can try and do something like that before the end of my career, that would be special to make history." Lambert's confidence is not unfounded, given his past success at the Manchester track, where he has achieved significant milestones with both the Great Britain team and at Belle Vue, where they won the Premiership in 2022.
Despite his favorite status, Lambert remains grounded, acknowledging that anything can happen in the final. His epic win last year, where he outgunned Wright, Harris, and Dan Bewley, serves as a testament to his resilience and skill. Lambert's approach to the final is pragmatic, recognizing the unpredictability of the sport, as he puts it, "You can win all your five heats and then make a bad decision on the track and leave you without the Championship." He emphasizes the need for full focus and strategic bike setup to achieve success.
The British Final lineup features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, including Anders Rowe, Cooper Rushen, and Jake Mulford. The event is set to be refereed by Mick Bates, with live coverage on ITV4 and ITVX, and live updates available on the British Speedway website. The atmosphere at the National Speedway Stadium promises to be electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the thrilling action and the potential for history to be made.
In my opinion, the return of speedway to terrestrial TV is a significant development, offering a chance to reintroduce the sport to a new generation of fans. Lambert's pursuit of a hat-trick of titles adds a layer of intrigue, making this event a must-watch for sports enthusiasts. As the lights dim and the engines roar to life, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of speedway action, where records may fall and legends may be born.
