Monday 20th August 2012, 20:01

British star Josh Auty has been called up to replace Craig Cook as track reserve in the FIM Fogo British SGP on Saturday.

The Birmingham and Scunthorpe rider takes the Cumbrian’s No.18 spot after he broke his left wrist in two places during Matthew Wethers’ testimonial at Edinburgh on Friday.

Auty has established himself as a solid performer in the British Elite League this season since swapping Coventry for Perry Barr.

Team Great Britain boss Neil Middleditch was sad to see Cook miss his big night after a stellar run of form in recent weeks.

But he said: “I think Josh deserves a shot and it’s nice for a young British lad to soak up the atmosphere of a Grand Prix. Hopefully in a few years time, he’ll be there riding the full meeting.

“Saturday will be such a huge night for him – even if he doesn’t get a ride. Hopefully other Brits will look at that and think ‘I want to be there – I want some of that.’

“Craig is obviously pretty disappointed to miss the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere.

“It was a toss-up between Josh and Adam Roynon really to replace him, but I think Josh pips him on the averages.”

Auty joins Brummies team mate Ben Barker in the reserve spots, with the Cornishman lining up at No.17.

The pair will only be called into action if one of the main 16 riders is forced out of a race through injury, illness or is excluded for a starting offence.

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