US Style Handicap racing returned to Smallbrook Stadium last week, proving a real crowd-pleaser with plenty of thrilling overtakes.

Ben Morley showcased his affinity for the 385m Smallbrook Speedway circuit, clinching top stop at the meeting.

The event, featuring a unique handicap format with 'C' grade riders starting on the line, 'B' grades off 15m, and 'A' grades 30m back, encouraged overtaking and thrilled fans with 30 on-track passes.

In heat one, Morley executed a dramatic move from fourth to first, only for Jamie Sealey to fall directly in front of Morgan Williams to necessitate a rerun.

Belle Vue Colts' Freddy Hodder triumphed in the rerun, setting the stage for his strong performance throughout the evening. 

18-year-old Hodder, handicapped 15m, lost just one point to Morley in the heats, earning a spot in the 'A' final alongside Morley and Leicester Lions’ Joe Thompson, who adapted well to the format to secure his ‘A’ final place.

In the 'B' final, Sealey kept up with Williams, who started well, and overtook him for the win, while the 'A' final saw Morley utilise his track knowledge to outpace Hodder and Thompson despite intense pressure. 

Morley’s victory capped a night of thrilling racing, with meeting sponsor Mark Cooper praising the riders for a fantastic show.