The drama came in Heat Six when the Curtis Sport Brummies’ reserve clouted the back straight fence at high speed.

Somehow, the Brit stayed on his machine and rode the remainder of the race out, despite mimicking a bucking bronco for the rest of the opening lap.

Barker did manage to complete one further race later on, which saw him hold off former Birmingham man Justin Sedgmen for third, but after feeling plenty of discomfort later on, Barker then had to have his appendix removed.

Appearing on the Ben Barker Racing Facebook page, a statement said: “Ben is facing a spell off the bike having undergone emergency surgery to remove his appendix.

“He was in some severe discomfort, he pushed through to complete the meeting but knew something wasn’t right.

“He would call 111 once he returned home and was told to go straight to A&E, which he did, and was informed he would need to have his appendix removed.

“He had successful surgery this (Friday) afternoon and is now in recovery.

“He will now be off the bike for a while whilst he recovers and in typical Ben fashion is determined to do everything he can to be back fighting fit ASAP.”

Birmingham are working hard to find a replacement for their trip to Belle Vue on Monday (July 7, 7.30pm).

Words and Image by Birmingham Speedway

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The ex Great Britain international was a big hit with the Perry Barr faithful between 2011 and 2014 and has been a popular visitor in seasons since.

And now he’ll don the famous yellow and red once more after agreeing a deal until the end of the season.

It’s his first top-flight team spot since appearing for Ipswich two years ago and he’ll come into the team at reserve, despite being named as Michael Jepsen Jensen’s replacement following the expiry of his covering facility, in a move which will also see skipper Tobiasz Musielak reclaim the No.1 racejacket.

Curtis Sport Brummies CEO Nigel Tolley said: “I already know some people’s reaction will be ‘how is Ben Barker a replacement for MJJ?’, but those people have to be realistic and remind themselves of a few things.

“The reality is that there are a lack of riders available, particularly of MJJ’s quality.

“So we studied our options and Ben is actually someone who opted to put his name in the frame in the build-up to this season.

“You know you’re going to get maximum effort from Ben, you know he’ll fight for every point and he likes to put on a show and ruffle some feathers.

“Hopefully he can come in and be a strong reserve for us and now we’ve got a 1-7 again, hopefully the team can settle down and battle their way to some more wins on track.”

Barker will make his debut in Thursday’s (June 26, 7.30pm) trip to Oxford in a key battle at the foot of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership standings.

The Brummies are then back at Perry Barr next Monday (June 30, 7.30pm) when King’s Lynn are the visitors.

Words and Images by Birmingham Speedway

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