Peterborough Panthers ace is desperate to try for a fourth British speedway title

The event was confirmed this week for Ipswich on Saturday, September 26 – and Harris was automatically ruled out.

That’s because the three-time British champion was already committed to the World Longtrack Championship in Poland on that date, but that event has now been moved to the following day.

Harris was immediately contacted by representatives of the sport when the change was made and he set about looking into the possibility of travelling to Poland on early Sunday morning.

British Speedway Chairman Rob Godfrey said: “As soon as the longtrack date was changed we set about trying to get Chris in the British Final.

“He loves riding in the meeting and there is a national title on the line. If he doesn’t make it I know it won’t be for the want of trying. He’s been brilliant for British Speedway and if he can’t ride then we would fully understand.”

Another Panthers man Scott Nicholls, who has won the British title seven times, has already decided to give the meeting a miss as he hasn’t been on a bike since March.

“I had to think long and hard about it because it’s such a prestigious meeting but it doesn’t feel right for me at this time,” Nicholls said.

“I’m delighted the event is going ahead with a crowd and I wish all the riders the very best and hope the meeting is a big success for the sport.”

Panthers owner Keith Chapman said: “It’s great news for the sport to have the British Final and I hope Peterborough fans get over and support it.

“After everything that people have gone through this year it’s a real boost for everyone and for the governing body to get UK Government recognition for the sport to stage a pilot test event with crowds is superb.

“I’m sure the racing will be competitive and predicting a winner will be impossible.”