GREAT Britain boss Jim Lynch reckons Coventry's Simon Stead has a golden opportunity to kick-start his season at Thursday's British Final.
Lynch knows Stead well from his time at Peterborough in the early stages of his career and feels he has a great chance of qualifying for the British Grand Prix at Cardiff next month.
The highest placed rider in the Swindon event on May 29 - apart from GP regulars Chris Harris and Scott Nicholls - will book themselves a place at the Millennium Stadium.
Said Lynch: "With Lee Richardson struggling with injury, the race for a wildcard spot is wide open but it wouldn't surprise me to see Simon and David Howe as the more experienced lads in there challenging.
"I know Simon likes the Swindon track, it suits his riding style and this is a great chance for him to make progress.
"I know the other lads will have something to say about that, I'm really looking forward to this meeting as I reckon the racing will be fierce."
Lynch has picked Eastbourne's Lewis Bridger, William Lawson from Edinburgh and Sheffield's Ricky Ashworth as wildcards for the event which starts at 7.30pm.
LINE-UP (not in riding order): Scott Nicholls,
Chris Harris,
Lee Richardson,
David Howe,
Simon Stead,
Oliver Allen,
Edward Kennett,
Daniel King,
Leigh Lanham,
James Wright,
Tai Woffinden,
Adam Roynon,
Ben Barker,
Lewis Bridger,
William Lawson,
Ricky Ashworth.
