Silver lining for Lynn Stars skipper Lambert

King’s Lynn Stars skipper Robert Lambert played a major part in Great Britain going agonisingly close to striking gold in the inaugural Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Final in Poland.

The Lions had to settle for silver in a dramatic last gasp final shootout with Russia – despite finishing the tournament as top scorers.

Double world individual champion Tai Woffinden inspired GB straight through to the one-off final by winning 12 of his 13 outings over the two nights in Wroclaw.

But he received handy support from Lambert (seven points), the British U21 champion. Woffinden won the deciding heat but youngster Lambert couldn’t find a way past former Coventry man Emil Sayfutdinov.

And in knockout racing, with the emphasis on teamwork, when a nation finished second and third it means they win the race 3+1 v 3.

Woffinden, who scored 38 out of a possible 39 points in the two-day final, added: “I want to say I’m proud of young Robert, he did a great job throughout the tournament.”

Lambert, along with Lynn's Lewis Kerr, competed in the British Final at Belle Vue last night (Monday). Lambert wants the national title and with that would follow a place in the British Grand Prix in Cardiff next month.

The Tru Plant Stars head to Poole tomorrow when the Premiership resumes with Niels-Kristian Iversen expected back after treatment on his shoulder.

FIM MONSTER ENERGY SPEEDWAY

OF NATIONS FINAL STANDINGS

1 Russia 45 (placed 1st after race-off), 2 Great Britain 46 (placed 2nd after race-off), 3 Poland 36 (placed 3rd after race-off), 4 Australia 35, 5 Denmark 35, 6 Sweden 32, 7 Germany 23 (Russia crowned 2018 FIM Speedway of Nations champions).