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British GP winner to strengthen his case for being in the 1997 series. After Riss had been ruled out through a fall in heat 15, Wigg won heat 16 after coming under fire from Sullivan, who in tum had at one time trailed Boyce before Boyce's challenge faded quickly. Wigg wasn't to be denied win number three as he eased comfortably into double figures and a mere third place away from the 1997 GPs as he was to meet the only two rivals who could match his total in the last outing. Existing GP riders Boyce and Screen saw their GP run come to an end when they finished third and second, respectively, while Smith's hopes hung delicately in the balance after his having finished on 11 points. Just as Wigg looked well geared up for win number four, well clear of Adams and Karlsson, disas- ter struck as his bike suddenly stopped on the final Tap. Adams gratefully accepted the opportunity to take the heat win and guaranteed GP survival while Karlsson knew he had a second chance at worst. With Wigg still having half a lap to go, Holta mysteriously packed up and sat on the track contemplating what was wrong. Wigg took the gift and pushed his bike the .rest of the way to become a member of the GP brigade in 1997. Both Crump and Ermolenko' won their remaining rides, which left no fewer than four riders on 11 points, one behind the two automatic qualifiers of Wigg and Adams. And so to that end came a dramatic runoff with two reserve places up for grabs. The race was crucial, and exciting, if not heart-breaking for Ermolenko. Crump Ie.d through the early stages, but a strong challenge from Karlsson unsettled Crump. Karlsson went on to take the win and Ermolenko looked to . be joining him. But Smith was desperate, and when he saw a gap emerge between the 1993 World Champion and the inside of the track as the pair were coming out of the second bend on the last lap, he needed no formal invitation. Driving into the space, Smith got his wheels in line early and then used the back straight to pull away from Ermolenko. Ermolenko was left feeling deflated and dejected, and now the best the former champion can hope for is to be named as a wild card to some of the six GP rounds slated for next year. But he will be up for some competition in that regard from the likes of Jason Crump. Time will tell the story. 1:N ·(Above left) Jason Crump (11) slides under Andy Smith. British-round winner Crump failed to make the cut as he finished last In the runoff. (Above) Leigh Adams, Simon Wlgg, Andy Smith and Mlkael Karlsson (left to right) all qualified lor the 1997 World Championship rounds. Smith and Karlsson will be reserve riders. Marketta Stadium Prague, Czech Republic Results: OCtober 5, 1996 OJ A POINTS (first two qualify dirtdly to 1997 Grands Prix): 1. Simon Wigg (12); 2. Leigh Adams (11); 3. Mikael Karlsson (11); 4. Andy Smith (11); 5. Sam Ermolenko (11); 6. Jason Crump (11); 7. Ryan Sullivan (9); 8. Stephen Danna (9); 9. Joe Screen (9); 10. Bri,," Karger (9); 11. 20llan Adorjan (6); 12. R. Barth (4); 13. Gerd Riss (4); 14. Craig Boyce (2); 15. Rinat Mardanshin (0); 16. Tommy Knudsen (0); 17. Armando Castagna (0); 18. Rune Holta (0). • RUNOFF (fitst two qualify as reserves for 1997 Grands Prix): 1. Mikael Karlsson; 2. Andy Smith; 3. Sam Ermolenko; 4. Jason Crump: ..