INTERNATIONAL speedway rider Chris Harris has backed the Coventry Observer’s campaign to ‘Save Our Bees’ and bring the club back to Brandon in time for the start of the 2018 SGB Premiership season.
The 34-year-old has won three Elite League titles with the Bees, two Elite League Knockout Cups, two Elite League Pairs Championships and two Craven Shields during his 11 years with the Bees, making him one of Britain’s most decorated riders.
Despite deciding to leave the Bees at the end of last season, Harris is hopeful a deal can be reached to ensure his beloved Bees can return to Coventry Stadium for the 2018 season.
Our campaign calls on all parties – including the Bees, CoventryStox, Brandon Estates Ltd, and Rugby Borough Council – to resolve the current crisis and get the Bees back on track next season.
The former British Grand Prix winner told The Observer: “I was just scrolling through my phone and read the news, it was a huge shock for me.
“I have so many fond memories of racing for Coventry and to see it die like that is a terrible shame.”
Though Harris never planned to ride for the Bees in 2017, he never ruled out a return to Coventry – though admitted things need to change.
Bomber – as he known by many in the speedway community – voiced his full support to former Bees owner Avtar Sandhu and former promoter Colin Pratt.
He said: “I believe they can sort it out in the future, no matter what other people are saying.
“I don’t blame Mr Sandhu when it comes to pointing the finger at who got the Bees in this situation.
“Mr Sandhu has never lied to me and when he says something he does it – he and Colin Pratt both want speedway at Coventry to continue and I believe them.
“In my opinion Mr Sandhu needs to come back.
“I love the Coventry fans to bits, when I won those races and league titles it was for the fans.
“I remember when Colin first brought me to Coventry – he stuck by me and Mr Sandhu made him believe in me, I trust them both more than anyone.
“I’d hope we can get the old times back at Coventry, but you never know – I’d like to return.”
With Harris coming to the end of a busy off season schedule in the workshop, gym and in the office sorting sponsors, the Rye House rider said he felt bad for the riders left without a job.
He said: “It’s tough on the riders, especially for James (Sarjeant).
“He’s a great lad and has no Championship side to race for so he has nothing at the moment.
“James is now in a situation where he’s invested money into his equipment and he won’t be getting that money back – sponsors may even ask for the money they invested back too so it’s a double blow.
“He just has to sit on the sidelines and hope a team spot comes through in the coming months, it’s not fair.
“Danny King too has problems – running in just one league isn’t enough and I feel for him.
“A lot of time is spent during the winter in workshops, sorting out sponsors and training – all that time and effort has no use now, unless they can find another club quickly.
“I hope this Coventry Observer campaign proves successful and the Bees can get back on track next season.”
CAMPAIGN: SAVE OUR BEES, a Coventry Observer campaign to get the Bees back on track
