Express & Star

A thrilling end to speedway season

Three-time British Champion Chris Harris claimed glory in Wolverhampton’s NGK Spark Plugs Olympique season finale.

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It was a maiden victory in the event for the 35-year-old after finishing on the podium six times in the previous seven stagings.

He produced some terrific manoeuvres throughout the event’s unique handicap system and booked his place in the final with a brave move around the outside of youngster Drew Kemp in his last ride.

But there was drama in the final when top points scorer Nick Morris lifted in the opening bends and somehow avoided his rivals.

The rerun took place and Harris made a quick getaway to finish ahead of home man Kyle Howarth and former Wolf Ricky Wells who continued his solid record in the fixture.

Winner Harris said: “It’s nice to finally win this meeting after coming close so many times before. It’s a meeting I’ve always enjoyed taking part in and after winning the league with Poole a few weeks ago, it’s been a good end to the year for me.”

Meanwhile, runner-up Howarth was equally happy with his own performance.

“I said before the meeting I wanted to put myself back in the shop window for a team place next year and I’m happy with how it went overall,” he said.

“I thought Chris got a bit lucky in the final as I’d just got in front before Nick crashed in the first run. But that’s speedway and I’m happy enough with second place.”

Parrys International Wolves No.1 Sam Masters narrowly missed out on a place in the final while local lad Ashley Morris endured an up and down meeting totalling six points.

A large crowd turned out at Monmore Green where there was a homecoming for recently crowned three-time World Champion Tai Woffinden.

The sport now heads towards its winter break with the AGM taking place next month.