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Page last updated at 13:18 GMT, Monday, 18 October 2010 14:18 UK

Ben Barker takes Pride of the Potteries title

Stoke Potters

Ben Barker won the Pride of the Potteries individual speedway title in emphatic style at Loomer Road.

The Elite League Champion with Coventry Bees took a maximum 15 points, beating Stoke's own Taylor Poole into second.

Sunday's victory saw the former Stoke Potters man go one better than his second place in last year's event.

"I'm delighted to finally take the title. I said I was coming back to Stoke to win this season. I've done just that," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

Barker, 22, missed out to the injured Jason Bunyan in 2009, but returned to Loomer Road in dominant form, winning each of his three races on the night.

"I always enjoy racing here at Stoke and I'm really pleased to win the title," he added.

I've enjoyed my time here at Stoke this year and would love to return here and continue to progress
Lee Smart

Poole, 17, the highest-placed Stoke Potters rider, was pleased with his performance as he edged out Ty Proctor and Niklas Porsing to finish second.

"I enjoyed it," he said. "Although it would have been nice to win, I'm happy enough with second place in my first full season.

"I'm learning all the time and getting stronger and I feel I'm becoming a better rider with every race."

The event also saw Lee Smart crowned Potters' rider of the year.

After receiving the award, given to the winner of a supporter poll, Smart immediately set his sights on a return to Stoke in 2011.

"I've enjoyed my time here at Stoke this year," he said. "I would love to return here and continue to progress as I have this season."



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