Speedway legend Nicki Pedersen pays tribute to Coventry Bees star Chris Harris - The Coventry Observer

Speedway legend Nicki Pedersen pays tribute to Coventry Bees star Chris Harris

Coventry Editorial 24th Mar, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

THREE-time World Champion Nicki Pedersen has paid tribute to Bees rider Chris Harris after starring in his testimonial on Sunday, writes Observer speedway reporter Robin Allen.

A bumper crowd gathered inside Brandon Stadium in anticipation of an exciting meeting and they were certainly not disappointed.

Australian star Jason Doyle took the individual honours as he held off the challenge of Pedersen in the A-Final, but all of the riders contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable day of racing.

“It was a fantastic meeting and great for Chris, I enjoyed being part of it.” said Pedersen




“Chris called me up and of course I wanted to help him out because they say I always put bums on seats and sell a few tickets at the box office.”

In heat three Polish youngster Kacper Woryna showed his potential to the Bees fans with an excellent pass on team-mate Jason Garrity, romping to his first win around Coventry.


And then Harris got his first win of the afternoon with a great start in heat seven leaving Nicholls, Richie Worrall and Edward Kennett in his dust.

After picking up just one point from his first ride Grand Prix star Pedersen was soon up to speed having an epic battle with Kennett for the win.

However, the Dane was only just getting started as he went wheel-to-wheel with Craig Cook in heat 15 as the pair passed and re-passed each other with the elder statesman Pedersen coming out on top taking the win.

Grand Prix duo Pedersen and Jason Doyle were locked on 12 points after the Danish international edged their first clash in heat 20, meaning they would meet again in the A Final along with former Bees favourites Nicholls and Schlein.

In the final Doyle led from the gate but all the action was going on behind as Pedersen went from last to second in superb style. He couldn’t pass the Aussie, though, who took the win while Schlein finished in third.

Pedersen added: “It is good to be back in the UK, but it is going to be less and less as I get to the end of my career. It was a pleasure to be here for Chris and also for the fans to see me race and enjoy the meeting.

“I know the fans love or hate me but they gave me a nice cheer and I believe I put on a good show on because as one of the big guys, I could have come here and just take it very steady and just be testing things.

“I am a character and I am a racer so I never give up before the chequered flag it does not matter what meeting it is, I will always give 100 percent.

“I have great memories of Coventry going all the way back to the days of Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill so it would be sad if the stadium is to close.”

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