Max Clegg back with Stellar Monarchs

NEWS Monday 31st July 2023, 12:40pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Edinburgh fans know Max Clegg well because he was a pretty regular team member in the years 2014 to 2018, and has recently performed wonders for the Monarchs Academy National League team, so he will need no introduction when he steps in to the Stellar Monarchs' side to face champions Poole at Armadale on Friday.

He slips into the position unfortunately vacated by Lasse Fredriksen due to his broken wrist, and mercifully removes the need to be continually looking for guest riders.

Sniffling through hay fever, Max said "I'm 100% ready, it's something I'm quite used to now coming to Edinburgh, they have brilliant fans, a great promotion and a well-prepared track so I'm really looking forward to it. I've had some really good years at Edinburgh in my career and I'm pleased to be rejoining, even if it's only a few meetings.

"I feel really good, I'm enjoying riding my bike again, which is another reason why I've agreed to come back to Championship racing. My aim this year was to enjoy racing and see what happens. I'm confident and I feel I've got a lot of speed".

In his three home meetings for the Stellar Monarchs Academy this season Max has dropped just a single point in 15 rides, that being in the final heat last Friday against Berwick Bullets.

"That's one point more then I wanted to drop," he said. "I'm using the same bikes I've always used and I've been putting in times as good as the Championship times. I do keep an eye on that sort of thing. At the start of the season I had a lot of bike issues which tends to happen to me in early season, but I've fixed that now and I feel a different rider.

"I've been in the team with Picko and Craig before and I know most of them. I feel the team is really strong and I think we can finish the season off really well. Anything's possible, I'm confident.

"Poole won't be an easy meeting on Friday but then no meeting's easy is it. I'm confident, especially at home against anyone we have to race. We need the whole team to click."

Max will be combining his speedway with work commitments but sees no problem arising. "My gaffer's really good with giving me time off".

Max joins the team from this Friday's home match against Poole Pirates onwards. Jason Edwards is lined up to guest for the team's away matches this week at Plymouth Gladiators (Tuesday) and Poole Pirates (Wednesday). The change is subject to BSPL approval.