A host of stars including Grand Prix names Nicki Pedersen, Chris Harris and Bjarne Pedersen were in action at Perry Barr as bumper crowd turned out for the first meeting of the season.

But it was the home fans who went home happy as Barker took the honours as he fought off the challenge of fellow Cornishman Harris in the Final with team-mate Daniel King in third place.

King dropped just one point in his qualifying rides, new No.1 Bjarne Pedersen won his first two outings and Josh Auty - a late call-up for the unavailable Scott Nicholls - provided some of the best racing of the day with a string of passing moves.

Barker had to come through the semi-final, doing so by following Nicki Pedersen home as he saw off the strong challenge of Rory Schlein.

In the final it was Barker who managed to break clear as the other riders diced for position, and when Harris had moved from fourth to second he closed in - but Barker rode a perfect final lap to hold on for a big win.

He said: "It was always going to be a tough race in the Final especially with two Grand Prix riders in it, and I'm delighted to win it.

"It's looking good for Birmingham, Danny was going really well and Bjarne and Josh had good meetings too, and I really think we're going to have a good year."