JOHN McGuinness, kept his championship hopes alive by chasing home championship leader Karl Harris in the penultimate round of the championship at the £50million purpose built Rockingham Speedway in Northamptonshire last weekend.

McGuinness made his intention clear from the outset by dominating qualifying, upping the pace on four occasions to claim pole position and a psychological advantage over arch-rival Karl Harris. However that advantage was lost when a poor start in the damp, industry conditions saw him 6th at the start of the first lap, with Harris running away at the front.

A gritty performance saw John pass Ross McCullough and Scott Smart to maintain fourth position for 10 laps when shrewdly John realized the weather was closing in and rain imminent. A blistering 11th lap saw him force his way to second place just as the red flag came out when the heavens opened.

McGuinness second place was crucial as he now trails race winner Karl Harris by 20pts with the final showdown at Donington Park in a fortnight.

John's brief is now simple.

He must win at Donington and hope Harris fails to secure the final points he needs to win the championship.

McGuinness and Harris have proved themselves to be head and shoulders above the others in this chaos and John's now regular podium appearances should mean he'll secure a top ride with a top team for next season.

Watch this space for news of John's attempt to win the championship at Donington.