Edward Kennett confimed himself as the king of the Brighton Bonanza by retaining his singles crown.

But the 19-year-old, axed by Poole due to a change in Elite League average limits, insists he is unlikely to be back in Sussex to seek summer glory next season Kennett, winner of four of his five heats before seeing off Martin Dugard, Chris Kerr and Bobby Schwartz in the final, had been told the door was ajar for a return to Eastbourne Eagles.

After winning at the Brighton Centre last night, though, he said: "It has been spoken about but I don't think it's going to work really "But you never know what happens from here to March.

"I'll be riding for Rye House next year and I'll look to double up.

"It's brilliant to win this again. I always seem to have good set-ups for this and it comes down to making your starts. That's probably the hardest bit."

Kennett's long day included winning the Pairs and helping to assemble and dismantle the track but he still looked fresh in the final.

By contrast, the Americans struggled, which was a shame as both Kerr and Schwartz had excelled until then.

Kerr, touted as the latest big thing from the States, put a horrendous journey from California behind him to grab three heat wins.

He flew from San Francisco for the event, was badly delayed in blizzard-hit Chicago and had to borrow clothes after his luggage failed to arrive at Heathrow Despite that, he insisted: "It's a lot of fun. It was a long trip over but the event was a good experience and I can't unhappy with how it went. I'd love to do it again."

By contrast, 49-year-old Schwartz has seen it all before and was first to clinch a final place with his heat-19 verdict over Lewis Bridger as the impressive Sussex teenager, 33 years his junior, just missed out.

Roman Povazhny's challenge petered out after three heats and he was also deemed responsible for the pile-up which ended Paul Hurry's evening with a dislocated shoulder.

Despite that, Povazhny could be a popular signing if Eagles chief Jon Cook opts to bring him back.

Cook, who, in a separate role, co-promotes the Bonanza alongside Dugard, was happy with a total crowd of 4,500 and the fans were certainly in good spirits.

The close season may be getting shorter but this pre-Christmas date remains very popular and Cook plans to add a similar event in the north of England next year.

You could smell the methanol from West Street and hear the roar of engines from the Churchill Square car parks yesterday afternoon.

There was also the occasional feel of the pantomime about proceedings.

Chris Neath took the role of villain when he was sentoff by the crowd, who had been given red and yellow cards to help the referee make decisions.

Granted a chance to comment over the public address system, a clearly irate Neath asked: "What's the point of coming here and being kicked out of the race? I can understand a bit of banter but to do that (show red cards) is a bit silly really."

Eagles youngster Dan Giffard was an unsung hero by standing in for Billy Janniro, who was hurt in the Pairs, and scoring three second places before being hurt in a crash as he moved up the field in his fourth race.

Sergei Darkin and Barry Briggs earned warm ovations as guests of honour.

And Dugard went for superhero status by coming out for the final in a Superman outfit.

With the Stateside raiders vanquished, Dugard had time to strike a Superman pose as he crossed the line in second place.

By then, though, Kennett had already taken the chequered flag.

Thumb raised, all smiles and maybe already contemplating a hat-trick in the tenth running of the Bonanza next year.