CHRIS Louis, twice crowned British champion in his glittering speedway career, selects David Howe as the man to beat in tonight's 2007 final at Wolverhampton (start 7.

By Elvin King

CHRIS Louis, twice crowned British champion in his glittering speedway career, selects David Howe as the man to beat in tonight's 2007 final at Wolverhampton (start 7.30pm).

The field is a mix between the old guard and the current crop of promising youngsters that the sport badly needs to come through and make an impact on the world scene.

Ipswich-based Scott Nicholls will start favourite while his Coventry team mate Chris Harris will also be well backed after his superb showing in this year's Grand Prix series.

But Louis picks out Howe, who is having one of his best seasons.

“Scotty and Chris will be tough to beat, but I have been impressed with David's form this year,” said Louis.

“And on his home track he could take some holding.”

There is a big incentive tonight with the winner - or the rider who finishes next in order behind Nicholls or Harris - being given a wild card entry to this year's British GP at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on June 30.

“The chance to ride in front of around 50,000 fans in Cardiff is a big prize to win - on top of the pride of perhaps being crowned British champion,” added Louis.

“The field looks healthier than it has for a number of years with Edward Kennett and Lewis Bridger two youngsters who are showing the right attitude and making the right progress.”

Coventry was always the spiritual home of the British final with Louis being involved in one memorable final race-off with Mark Loram.

His father John also brought the coveted title back to Foxhall Stadium.

“Time moves on but the British Final has a long history and I am sure this will be reflected in tonight's meeting,” said Louis.

“I will be giving it my best shot and see how high I can finish.”

Tonight's field: O Allen (Coventry), L Bridger (Eastbourne), R Hall (Peterborough), C Harris (Coventry), G Havelock (Redcar), D Howe (Wolverhampton), E Kennett (Poole), W Lawson (Wolves/Edinburgh), C Louis (Ipswich), D Norris (Eastbourne), S Nicholls (Coventry), L Richardson (Swindon), J Screen (Belle Vue), S Stead (Belle Vue), T Woffinden (Rye House), J Wright (Belle Vue/Workington).