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JACK PARKINSON-BLACKBURN has been forced to pull out of Tuesday's British Under-21 Semi-Final at Peterborough.

It comes after both of the teenager's machines were severely damaged whilst in SGB Championship action over the weekend.

While he was able to put a makeshift bike together consisting of spare parts, he has now been left scrapping around for other pieces of equipment.

While he has made the hard decision to withdraw from the prestigious individual event, the 16-year-old insists he'll do everything he can to be ready in time for a big week ahead with his two British clubs.

Said Parkinson-Blackburn: "I'm absolutely devastated to have to withdraw from the Under-21 Semi-Final.

"After reaching the Grand Final of the Final at Sheffield last year I was so desperate to get there again – but it's obviously not just meant to be this year.

“It's been a big learning curve already this season and we're only a month in.

"My second bike is a total write off; there's damage to the front wheel, diamond, the handlebars, and even the engine plates are bent and on my main bike, the clutch is just totally destroyed.

"We've worked it out to a total of a couple of thousand pounds damage altogether and it's not what you want or need at any stage of the season – yet alone so early on!

"My sponsors have been absolutely great to me since I started speedway and if it wasn't for their backing I'd find it hard to carry on.

"Right now it's tougher than ever though and we're having to scrap around for anything that we can.

"I have to put my two teams first – I've got two meetings for Birmingham and two meetings for Sheffield this week and I need to spend my time working hard behind the scenes to knock something into shape.

"I can't thank the supporters of both clubs enough as well – I've had lots of messages from them and I've had people offering me as much help as they can give me as well. It really is appreciated and right now I could do with us much help and support as is possible!"