Young King’s Lynn rider reflects on senior debut at Birmingham

King's Lynn youngster Luke Harrison has reflected on his milestone moment at Birmingham on Monday.

Eighteen-year-old Harrison, who races for the Young Stars as well as Scunthorpe in the second tier, has been handed his chance in the top league as Lynn found themselves needing cover in the Rising Star position with Ashton Boughen ruled out.

Harrison and Jody Scott have both taken the extra experience in their stride, and Harrison scored a most impressive 8+1 at Perry Barr, including his first race win in the Premiership.

That came in Heat 2 when he took advantage of a restart when Brummies duo Sam Hagon and Ben Barker collided after the former suffered a mechanical failure.

In the re-run, it was Harrison who defeated the vastly experienced former GB international Barker, and he went on to take the scalp of another senior name, Paco Castagna, later in the meeting.

Harrison said: “I got my first Premiership heat win so that’s a great moment and one I’ll keep forever.

“Sometimes you get the rub of the green when you don’t quite get it right the first time and then you get a second chance.

“I got that bit of luck and it worked out for me. It was a good race and I just managed to get out in front.

“It was a great night on that part, but the team suffered a few losses which really hurt us.

“I think if we hadn’t had those we could have won, which is a bit of a shame. But on the personal aspect it was a great night.”

Harrison says he always knew racing in the Premiership would be a step above anything he has previously experienced, but he has plenty of confidence from recent results at all levels.

And there’s little doubt that his efforts, and those of Scott, have meant Stars have not been adversely impacted by the problems afflicting Boughen.

Harrison added: “I’ve been riding the bike a lot recently, I’ve been riding three or four times a week in the last month and a half.

“Obviously, that all helps when you’re constantly racing, but it’s a big step up from the Championship to the Premiership.

“Riding against tougher riders constantly is always helping me get a bit better.”

After a punishing run on the road, Lynn are back at the Adrian Flux Arena on Monday when they host Sheffield.

The Tigers’ previous visit was one of the most frustrating nights of the season for the Stars as Lewis Kerr inspired a narrow away win with a bumper haul at reserve.

But there will be three league points available on Monday as Lynn only went down 47-43 at Owlerton recently, so 48 points on the night has to be their target.