PIRATES charger Kyle Newman tonight made the “gut-wrenching” decision to pull out of tomorrow's British Semi-final at Sheffield.

The doubling-up rider ruptured a thigh muscle while riding for Plymouth at Peterborough eight days ago and was keen not to worsen the injury.

But he made the decision with a heavy heart as he felt that qualification for the British Final was within his reach.

The 22-year-old will now hope to receive a wild card into the showpiece event, his only possible route forward.

Newman told the Daily Echo: It was my goal to get into the British Final this year and it was a gut-wrenching decision to pull out because I am brimming with confidence.

“I love the Sheffield track and have always gone well there, so with the form I was in, it felt like everything was in place.

“I thought long and hard about it and unfortunately I’ve gone with my head over my heart.

“If I did go there and tweak the injury, that could put me out for a longer spell and I would be more gutted at doing that than missing out on the British Semi-final altogether.”