MARTIN Smolinski, the man labelled ‘Mr Telford’ by ice speedway organisers, will appear in the last ever event at the Shropshire rink on February 26.

The hugely popular German, a former Elite League title winner with Coventry, made a special request to promoter Graham Drury to appear in the meetings when he read they would be the last.

The 25th anniversary Telford Ice meetings bring the curtain down on a glittering history for the spectacular which has pulled in thousands of fans from throughout the UK and beyond.

Telford Ice Rink is to be revamped and the safety fence won’t be compatible for speedway which means the curtain will fall for the last time next February.

Smolinski, a former winner of the British Open and runner-up to Tony Atkin last year, is desperate to win the final staging.

He said: “I always enjoy Telford and I have great fun with the crowd and I was very sad when I discovered this would be the last one.

“I’m coming over to win it and I am desperate to do that and write my name in the Telford record books as the last ever winner.”

Drury, meanwhile, admits he was about to invite Smolinski when the rider himself got in touch.

He said: “There is no way we could do the last Telford without asking Martin, we call him ‘Mr Telford’ and we’re delighted he is coming over.

“He takes it seriously, he adapts a bike especially for the ice and he is coming here to put on a show.”

Smolinski joins Great Britain international and current Coventry man Eddie Kennett in the line-up alongside Workington and Dudley man Adam Roynon.

Drury has revealed how several groups have been in touch about making the trip by coach as interest rockets in the last event and discounts apply for bookings of 15 or more people. This only applies by calling the Telford Ice number on 07857 140 778.

The event features both afternoon and evening sessions with England Select v Rest of the World at 3pm followed by the British Open at 7.30pm.

Ticket details are as follows: Standing: Adults £15.50, children £5.50. Reserved seating £17.50 adults, £10.50 children. Credit card hotline 0845 155 9966 ext 0.

Postal applications with cheques payable to Telford Ice: 27 Upper Chirk Bank, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5EB – include a SAE.