WOLVERHAMPTON Speedway owner Chris Van Straaten believes Monday's British Final at Monmore is the most open in recent years.

Van Straaten is proud to host the showpiece event for a second successive season and a bumper crowd is expected, especially with so many West Midlands-based riders from Wolves (Tai Woffinden), Birmingham (Danny King and Ben Barker) and Coventry (Eddie Kennett) in the field.And special guests for the night will be husband and wife duo Hugh Porter MBE, the four-time World Cycling champion who is also a Freeman of the City of Wolverhampton, and Anita Lonsbrough MBE who won gold for swimming in the 1960 Olympics in Tokyo.

Said Van Straaten: "It's a tremendous line-up and very hard to predict a winner. It's the most open for years."Not only is the national title on the line which every British rider wants, but there is also the opportunity to qualify for the British Grand Prix at Cardiff as the wildcard.

"We are very proud to stage this event and we look forward to welcoming the fans, the riders and our special guests."

There's also free face painting for the youngsters.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of children with British colours splashed on their face. It should be a great night for the whole family." said Van Straaten