After 27 years of racing he achieved a third place finish in the pro open class against tough competition.

“In those 27 years, this was probably the most competitive group of riders I have ever competed against,” he said.

“The guys who won are two of the fastest guys in Australian dirt track racing.

“Jace Castles, from Queensland, is one of the fastest around and Rowen Tegart, from Victoria, is a former Australian champion.

“It was pretty full on.

“To come out third is one of the best outcomes I could have hoped for.”

The result was even more impressive coming as it did on the heels of a two-year break from the sport.

“I have not ridden speedway since the titles in 2010,” he said.

“I was a little bit rusty to start with.”

Footner is still making up his mind, but it may have been the last race for the 48-year-old.

“To compete at that level is getting too hard,” he said.

Footner also came fifth in the MX Open final after what he called “probably my worst start in 29 years”.

Around 90 riders came from every mainland state to compete in the championships, which were held at the Kapunda trotting track, in front of a crowd of almost 4000 people.