Chris Harris (speedway rider)
British speedway's 'Bomber,' a fearless racer and four-time world champion in the brutal, high-speed team event.
Born 1982 (age 44)·British speedway rider·Birthday: November 28·Millennials
Biography
Chris 'Bomber' Harris rides with a style that is pure, unadulterated speedway: aggressive, on the limit, and thrillingly unpredictable. Hailing from Cornwall, he exploded onto the British scene with a raw talent that was quickly honed into world-class skill. Harris became a mainstay of the British national team, his gutsy performances in the Speedway World Cup making him a hero to fans. His true mastery, however, is displayed in the Speedway Grand Prix's team world championship, where his tactical bravery and ability to perform under pressure have powered Great Britain to multiple titles. Even as younger riders emerge, Harris remains a formidable force on the shale, his nickname 'Bomber' perfectly capturing his explosive starts and never-say-die attitude in every heat.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chris was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Speedway World Cup with Great Britain four times (2004, 2007, 2014, 2015).
- Finished third overall in the 2007 Speedway Grand Prix series, the highest ranking of his individual world championship career.
- Has been a top rider in the British Speedway Premiership for over two decades, winning multiple league titles with various clubs.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Bomber' was given to him early in his career for his aggressive riding style.
He is known for being one of the last top riders to use a four-valve engine, a preference that sets him apart technically.
He comes from a speedway family; his father was also a rider.
“You have to ride the track, not just the bike.”
