English teenager Andy Appleton completed his build-up for the UK Elite League speedway by winning the international solo bike series at Western Springs.
Appleton, 18, returns home this week to shift his career up a gear with a move from Premier League club Newport to the Elite League contenders Oxford.
Recent weeks sliding around North Island tracks and victory in the Red Baron International Series has been the ideal preparation.
"Racing down here definitely helps to build my race fitness and keeps my riding and starts sharp," Appleton said.
He trailed Welshman Phil Morris after the opening round at Western Springs last month then gained the lead with four wins at the Stratford round.
He won three more times and lowered the track record on Saturday night to clinch the series, despite his bike failing to start for the final race.
The overall series win went to Appleton on 58 points from Morris on 55 and US rider Gary Hicks with 54.
The evenly matched midget car division produced its ninth feature winner in 13 races and the first career win for Northcote racer Carl Worboys.
Since he began racing as an 18-year-old eight seasons ago, Worboys has been close to a main event win on many occasions, including runner-up in the 50-lap classic last month.
His overdue first win was achieved with a dominant drive, taking the lead on lap three and controlling the Heritage Shield 25-lapper throughout.
Nelson visitor Nevil Basalaj was second ahead of Kevin Hyde.
Former national champ Allan Wakeling had a confidence-restoring night for the international sprint series starting next week. He dominated the feature race and said a season-long handling problem had been traced to a faulty torsion bar.
Motorsport: Appleton ripe for UK Elite
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