FOR sheer excitement, tension and noise, there's nothing in the world like the British Speedway Grand Prix at the Millennium Stadium.

Of the 41,000 in Cardiff on Saturday night, I wouldn't mind betting that many had gone more for a night out than because they were avid speedway fans.

But it just goes to prove that an event like this can really capture the public's imagination.

I enjoy speedway, but going to watch it every week does not appeal at all. There are many more like me, and that's why an event like this is perfect.

And this year's really was one not to be missed.

A bad crash, several other minor spills, a couple of false starts, great racing, daring overtaking moves and a British winner. Who could want more?

With the bad weather forcing the Millennium Stadium roof to shut, there was no escaping the unbelievable noise created by screaming fans and air horns.

And as the night went on, that noise just got louder, and louder, and louder.

Two Brits in the two semi-finals and then just Chris Harris left to fly the flag in the final, the atmosphere reached fever pitch.

With Harris back in third when the final got under way, many were cheering on a Brit about to make the podium at his home Grand Prix.

When he moved up to second, everyone was on their feet.

But when he performed a dare-devil manoeuvre to take the lead at the final bend, the place just erupted - you won't hear noise like it anywhere.