FINDING the correct set-up will be key for Adam Ellis if he’s to mount a challenge in tonight’s British Final at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester.

Ellis, who qualified for tonight’s meeting after finishing eighth in the second semi-final at Leicester last month, will be competing in his first British final since turning professional when joining the Isle of Wight Islanders in 2012.

The French-born racer joins a star-studded line-up, which includes former British champions Scott Nicholls, Chris Harris, Danny King and defending champion Craig Cook.

Youngsters Robert Lambert and Dan Bewley will also take to the track, a win for either would make them the youngest British champion since the competition was founded in 1961.

Ellis, 22, said he won’t be surprised if an underdog wins tonight’s championship, adding everyone steps up their game in front of the cameras.

He said: “It’s one of those meetings that everyone is up for, everyone builds themselves up for it.

“You’ve only got to have one good night and you can be British champion.

“There are always a couple of surprises, riders you don’t expect to go well that do.

“It’s my first time in it so I haven’t set any expectations, I’m going to go there and give it my best shot.

“You never know what can happen on the night, fingers crossed I can be up there.

“I hadn’t thought about the British Championships until a couple of weeks before my semi-final when they told me what event I was in.

“I was too focused on having a better start to this season compared to last.

“And it all seems to be going good so far, I need to keep it going.”

The Swindon heat leader has scored 4+2 and 5 from eight rides at the National Speedway Stadium so far this season while racing for the Robins.

While both of those meetings ended in defeat, Ellis hopes for better fortunes on an individual scale tonight.

But finding the correct set-up will be tougher than most nights.

“It’s so nice to ride on but then it’s so hard to race,” said Ellis.

“A lot of riders get dialled in there, and it’s not like a normal track where if you make the start and get in front you can get some fresh air and go.

“They come at you from all angles.

“Hopefully I’ll have my gating gloves.

“It’s a fast track, and if you’re slightly out on the set-up it can make a massive difference as to whether you’re spinning or bogging.

“It’s a tricky track to set-up for but once you’ve got it right it’s a nice track to ride.”