Qualification for the Northern Riders Final was simply the top four from the four local clubs. Barry Briggs was a last minute non-starter and his place was taken by Graham Drury. Peter Collins having won for the last two years was on top form and looking to equal Ivan Mauger's record of three consecutive wins. He came within a whisker of Ole Olsen's four week old track record in heat 6 and was up against unbeaten Doug Wyer in heat 17. Peter suffered engine failure on the third lap and with Charlie Monk already out of the race he pushed home for a full lap for second place and the £50 prize money.