Sam Wins But Ryan's A Winner Too

REPORT Saturday 4th June 2016, 2:20am

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Sam Masters had a first race defeat but bounced back to win his remaining rides, including the final, and take the main prize in Flyin Tonight, the Testimonial for Ryan Fisher.

The great American character celebrated a career which has run in this country from 2002, along with his family and friends. And while Sam came out on top, in the face of a really strong challenge from surprise packet Matej Kus, it was perhaps some of the names from slightly further back who stole the show on Testimonial night.

Talk of the terraces was Andrew Tully whose thrilling style has been missed since he stopped racing after the 2013 season. This was a one-off return but that amazing ability to turn and drive off the corners was still there, not least when he passed Sam Masters in his first ride.

Sam got him back but Andrew had proved again what a great talent he is, even though he felt himself he wasn’t riding the track right.

A big mention should also go to the American gents Billy Janniro and Charles Dukie Ermolenko who paid their friend a huge compliment by coming over to ride for him. Janniro, even on an engine Fisher admitted was slow, was all-action and very aggressive on track, providing some thrilling racing.

And Ermolenko, 47, was returning after a huge period and yet still got round well. He said “I thought I would be holding the others up but I was pleased to find I could still do something. Getting a couple of laps practise was a big help. ”

Behind Masters and Kus in the final were Ludvig Lindgren and Ricky Wells, these four just squeezing out Aaron Summers from the deciding race.

These five were the star turns, with Ryan Fisher admitting “Maybe I just had too much on my mind getting the event organised” after picking up 10 points.

There were some late call-offs during the week so amongst the heroes of the event were the guys who responded to a last minute call-up, Dan Bewley, Adam Roynon, James Sarjeant and Rob Branford, the latter at 24 hours notice.

Scott Wilson’s party afterwards was great and everyone concerned with running a smooth 21 heats in about 110 minutes can be very happy with themselves.