Harris is aiming high
Cornwall and England's premier speedway rider has three available routes into next year's high-profile series. His primary aim will be to finish in the top eight of this season's series for automatic qualification – he currently sits eight points adrift with six events remaining.
There is also a strong possibility that Harris will gain a wildcard entry for a third consecutive season on the basis of his strong performances in the British Grand Prix over the last three seasons. However, the former Exeter Falcons and Trelawny Tigers rider can also win a place through success in the qualifying meetings. That process begins for him this evening.
Truro-born Harris knows he needs a top-eight finish to win a place in the qualifying final which, incidentally, takes place on his home track at Coventry's Brandon Stadium on Friday, September 18. He would then need to finish in the top three to ensure a Grand Prix place for next season.
Daunting as it may sound, Harris is in relaxed mood ahead of tonight's meeting. The Motala track was kind to him on his last visit when he scored a paid maximum at the venue for his Swedish team Vastervik during a 55-41 win over Piraterna late last month.
Harris is also on a high after reaching his first semi-final of the GP season at last weekend's British Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff.
He said: "I'm pretty pleased with my form at the moment, my bikes are riding well so I'm going into the weekend full of confidence. I was there at Motola last week and got an 18-point maximum the Tuesday before Cardiff, but obviously it's a different competition to league racing and it will be a little bit harder.
"I'm looking at getting ten points, I think that will get me into the final at Coventry. The draw is pretty tough, but no tougher than a normal Grand Prix. I'm looking to go there and get in the top eight to qualify, then it'll be first, second and third in the final to see who make it into the GP Series."
Harris will be vying for a final place with fellow Brit Tai Woffinden, this after the Wolverhampton rider was elevated from reserve following Sebastian Ulamek's withdrawal due to a broken shoulder. Ulamek crashed during Rospiggarna's Swedish Elite League match with Indianerna on Tuesday night.
Harris said: "I saw his crash on television but I wasn't sure what he'd done. Unfortunately for him, he's out but it might be good for England and someone like Tai who was a reserve and now he's got in."
Woffinden and Harris, meanwhile, will team up when they ride together for Great Britain in the upcoming World Cup meeting at Peterborough on July 13 against Poland, Australia and Slovenia.
Harris has taken over the captaincy from Scott Nicholls who has been omitted from the squad by new team manager Rob Lyons. Lee Richardson is also a surprise omission as Lyons has opted to give youth its chance.
Harris said: "I think it'll be a tough round whoever is in the team so why not give the youngsters a chance. I'm lucky to be the one named as captain, it's an honour for me, and I take a lot of pride in being the national captain. Hopefully I can do a good job and be the captain for a long time to come.
"I'm looking forward it, obviously Rob has changed the team around a bit which surprised a few people. That said, we can see his thoughts and he obviously wants to bring youngsters on."
Chris Harris looks focused at Cardiff last Saturday
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