Workington Comets’ young star-in-the-making Luke Harrison has had the thrill of riding the British Grand Prix track at Cardiff ahead of Saturday’s big meeting.
He was among eight riders asked to give their seal of approval after a special test event in Cardiff yesterday.
In the build-up to Saturday’s GP at the Principality Stadium, the riders invited by British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd had a brief session of practice laps followed by a 12-race programme.
Harrison said: “It was good, in better condition than when I had a go four years ago with the 125’s. It’s all very good experience and I think everyone enjoyed it.
“I will be down for the Grand Prix on Saturday and then have a few meetings lined up next week.”
Harrison only turned 16 during the season and as well as riding at Workington has gained a Championship slot at Redcar.
Ashton Boughen, who won the recent Susan Roper Memorial meeting at Northside, and Harrison, were joined by former British Under-19 Champion Drew Kemp, experienced racer and ex-Comet Simon Lambert, current Sports Insure Premiership riders Danyon Hume and Jordan Jenkins along with Championship regulars Connor Mountain and Nathan Ablitt.
The overall reaction was overwhelmingly positive with conditions smooth and consistent, with work continuing ahead of Qualifying Practice on Friday and the British GP on Saturday.
Kemp, who has previous experience of Cardiff, said: “It was good. Obviously, I rode it last year and it wasn’t ideal in SGP2. Today they have done a really good job.
“It was smooth and really good fun to ride. I’m sure it will be good for the Grand Prix boys.”
Lambert said: “It was an unbelievable experience. The track was great. To come here and see the setup ready for the weekend was great.
“It would be mega to be part of the event one day, who knows? But it’s a dream to say I have ridden here.”
Hume added: “It’s mint. To be invited here to test the track is an honour. We went out and spun some laps and the track was holding up brilliantly.
“If it’s like how it is now, it’s going to be fantastic on Saturday. I think they have done the right thing in sending us here to turn the track over, so that everyone knows what to expect on the day.”
