LEICESTER have made legendary British racer Chris Harris their first signing as they go into new era of Premiership racing next season.
Harris joins the Watling JCB Lions after spending the last two years with Peterborough, during which time he helped the Panthers to a remarkable title triumph in 2021.
The treble British Champion turns 40 later this month but repeatedly proved that age is no barrier to achievement as his ’22 campaign was one of his best in years, with a string of high scores on all tracks.
And boss Stewart Dickson says Harris, who spent the bulk of his top-flight career with nearby Coventry prior to their closure, ticks all the boxes for the Lions’ requirements at the top level.
He said: “Chris is a rider I’ve always admired, and he’s very much tried and tested at Premiership level.
“He knows all the circuits, and for what we’re trying to do as we move back up next year I think it’s going to be important to have someone with his level of experience.
“He can obviously still cut it, as his scores this year show, and they weren’t just achieved on his home track. He was banging in big scores and beating some top, top riders along the way.
“When we spoke he was keen and excited about it, and I know it’s a good move for him from a family point of view as well, being close to home for his wife and kids to come and watch.
“And I think it could also tempt a few Coventry fans as well, especially after the good news last week of the planning application on Brandon being refused.
“The most important thing is what he can do on track for us, but the commercial aspect is a good side-story too.”
Harris himself admits the move comes at a great time, and is eager to take on the challenge and get going at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena.
He said: “I’ve had two good years at Peterborough, but I just felt like a change and when I heard Leicester were coming up, I thought it would be an opportunity to try something new and to challenge myself.
“Leicester has always been a track that I’ve enjoyed going to, even though I didn’t score as many as I would have liked there with Berwick this year, but I’ve been there in the past and scored heavily.
“It’s quite a technical track with long straights and tight corners, and I’m sure being a home rider next season I’ll get dialled in there.
“I almost got to work with Stewart at Glasgow (in 2018) before he left there, and you always know he’s going to put a competitive team together.
“That’s what I want to be in, I want to win trophies at the end of the day, and with what he’s talking about doing I definitely feel we can be up there.”
With the AGM taking place earlier this week and decisions rubber-stamped in line with expectations, the Lions are continuing to make plans and hope to make further announcements in the near future.
