TRIPLE world champion Jason Crump is the headline act in the Phil Morris Farewell meeting at Birmingham’s Perry Barr Stadium on Thursday (7.30).
Crump no longer rides in the UK and has moved his family base to Sweden but has readily agreed to fly in for the big night.
Morris was forced to retire from the sport with a troublesome shoulder injury two seasons ago and after a successful time in Brummies colours he made a special request to stage his big night at Perry Barr.
Said Morris: “It’s been a hectic few weeks getting everything organised, but we’ve done it and all of our committee are really looking forward to the night. We can’t wait for it to start.
“I’m eternally grateful to everyone who’s helped organise things, but most of all I hope the supporters have a great night and enjoy themselves.
“With my involvement in the sport now I was always keen to have plenty of British representation in the line-up, so it’s very encouraging that so many of our nation’s top riders have agreed to ride for me. I’m simply knocked-out by their commitment.
“Jason (Crump) is also a very good friend of mine, so once again I’m grateful to him for taking time-out from his heavy schedule to fly to England and lead the World All-Stars team.”
Morris has been forced into one late change to the meeting line-up following the withdrawal of Chris Harris.
The Team GB skipper is answering an SOS call from parent club Coventry and will instead be making a guest appearance in their Elite League match at Swindon.
Morris explained: "It's unfortunate that Chris has had to withdraw, but he called me to explain his reasons.
"I'm fine about that and I immediately invited Craig Cook to take his place. Craig is a rapidly-improving rider and will be knocking on the Team GB door in 2012."
TEAM GB SELECT: Danny King, Lewis Bridger, Tai Woffinden, Ben Barker, Lee Richardson, James Wright, Craig Cook.
WORLD ALL-STARS: Jason Crump, Richard Sweetman, Ty Proctor, Ulrich Ostergaard, Rory Schlein, David Bellego, Zdenek Simota.
YOUNG LIONS CHALLENGE (2 heats) Birmingham Bulls (Jack Hargreaves and Ben Taylor) v Stoke Potters (Tim Webster and Jaimie Pickard)
