Preview: Overseas Final.

The qualification process for next year's Grand Prix series continues at Poole this Sunday with the staging of the annual Overseas Final.

The six British riders from the recent Coventry meeting go to the tapes with ten other riders from Canada, Australia and America with one thing in common - they all want to secure progression to the Continental Final at Vastervik, Sweden.

On first glance the field does not look as strong or competitive as the recent British Final, but racing is sure to be keenly contested given what is at stake.

One late entry to the finals is American veteran Sam Ermolenko, who has been handed a reprieve in his quest for a 2002 Grand Prix place. The Wolverhampton skipper, who won the world title in 1993, will replace hand-injury victim Josh Larsen in the Finals, which will be held at Poole's Wimborne Road Stadium.

Rider line-up - Overseas Final - Poole, 17 June 2001

1. Jason Lyons (Australia)
A class act on his day and a rider with Grand Prix experience. Finding things a little tough this season, but is showing signs of a return to form and should be good enough to qualify.

2. Chris Slabon (Canada)
Does his racing in Poland and impressed in the recent World Under-21 quarter final at Peterborough. This meeting is a step up in class, and Chris may just be found out by that.

3. Paul Fry (Great Britain)
Very experienced racer currently with Swindon in the Premier League. A few too good for him at Poole. Expect Paul to battle away, but perhaps be found wanting.

4. Sean Wilson (Great Britain)
Taking his place as a result of Martin Dugard's decision not to fulfil his invitation, Sean is more than capable of not letting this chance slip away. Carrying all before him in the Premier League and should be a qualifier. Has the incentive of the Continental Final being held on his 'home' track in Sweden.

5. Brett Woodified (Australia)
Having an up and down season with Trelawny. May struggle.

6. Bobby Hedden (USA)
Came over for this meeting about five years ago with a big reputation and landed a riding contract with Sheffield. Under-performed and has not been back to England since. Hard to see him collecting much in the way of points.

7. Scott Nicholls (Great Britain)
Head and shoulders above his opponents this season and now a genuine world class rider. Unlucky in the British Grand Prix last Saturday night, but then scored fourteen - out of fifteen - points in the test match on Monday. Had a couple of years riding at Poole before reverting to Ipswich this year. A clear favourite to win this meeting.

8. Nigel Sadler (Australia)
Not having a great time with Peterborough and finding the points hard to come by. Could be a similar story at Poole.

9. Billy Janniro (USA)
In his British debut season and doing reasonably well. Was way behind Slabon at Peterborough and, on that form, will struggle.

10. Paul Hurry (Great Britain)
A front runner. Having a solid season with Elite League Wolverhampton, and in the running for a place representing Team GB in the Speedway World Cup. Should be up there without a doubt.

11. Shane Parker (Australia)
His Elite League pedigree should see him through. A very competitive racer.

12. John Cook (USA)
At 'just over forty is the oldest rider in the field. Has many years experience of racing in England and returned to these shores to ride for Ipswich last season. Despite a few years away, and advancing age, Cook showed he still has what it takes. May surprise a few on Sunday.

13. Gary Havelock (Great Britain)
Races on his home track, which should be an advantage. Add to that his good form and recall to the international arena with Team GB, and you have a rostrum contender. Second favourite behind Nicholls.

NS. Josh Larsen (USA)
Undoubtedly a talented rider, as he showed when racing here with, amongst others, Arena Essex and London. Made the decision to return home to the States a few years ago and still an active rider over there. A qualification contender if at top form.

14. Sam Ermolenko (USA)
Veteran won this meeting last year and will be looking to make the most of his late reprieve and claim one of the eight qualifying places for the Intercontinental Final in Vastervik on 11 August.

15. Steve Johnston (Australia)
Performed well at this meeting last year and currently returning to form, as he demonstrated by winning the Welsh Open meeting at Newport on Sunday. Been around long enough to know what it's all about and should ease through to the next stage.

16. Stuart Robson (Great Britian)
The surprise package of the British Final, where he finished in second place. If in that sort of form on Sunday, he will be going to Vastervik. Does not enjoy the home track advantage he had at Coventry, however. Borderline.

The meeting gets underway at 1530 on Sunday.