Grass roots Speedway on Friday

NEWS Wednesday 3rd July 2019, 4:26pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Armadale will witness something different this Friday as some mainly very young riders put themselves on show to entertain the public. Some may return in the future as stars, while for others this event might be the highlight of their racing careers.

Some of the riders compete at National League level, and some are in the junior leagues where Armadale's own Dale Devils compete. The current junior setup at Armadale is probably the most interesting it has been for quite a few years with the two sets of brothers, Lewis and Gregor Millar plus Ace and Stene Pijper forming the team. Lewis and Gregor compete on Friday though the Pijpers can't be there.

We are happy to say that once again sponsors have been generous with support for the event which ensures that it will not be a financial drain on the club. The meeting sponsors (as last year) are Bert Harkins and Linlithgow Tyres and Exhausts. How many teams can say they receive sponsorship from a former team captain who rode for the club half a century ago (ie Bert)? Bert has also supplied a set of Scott goggles for the winner.

The event has largely been organised this year by Alan Budzynski, grandfather of the Millar brothers, who does a lot of work on junior speedway. He says "Some supporters will be seeing these lads for the very first time and although they are classed as 'Juniors', make no mistake they are coming to compete and will be trying their level best to win every race and put on a good show for us. I've looked at the rider list time and time again and I still can't pick a winner".

Previous Caledonian Riders' Championships have featured reserves from Championship teams, that is not the case this year as it is riders at an earlier stage in their development. Admission to the year's Championship is £10 for adults, seniors and students with Under-16s free of charge. Duddingston Private Hire have generously offered to run their normal bus from Edinburgh at no charge to supporters. There are 15 500cc races and 4 lower capacity.

Friday 5th July: Caledonian Riders Championship, Armadale, 7:30pm

Lineup:

Lewis Millar (Dale Devils), Gregor Millar (Dale Devils), Dale Lamb (unattached), Joe Alcock (Stoke), Luke Muff (unattached), George Rothery (Glasgow), Bailey Fellows (Birmingham), Jacob Fellows (Birmingham), Elliot Kelly (Mildenhall), Josh Embleton (Newcastle), Gavin Parr (unattached), Mason Watson (Berwick).

125cc / 150cc

Archie Freeman (Newcastle), Danny Smith (Newcastle), William Hocaniuk (Redcar), William Cairns (Dale Devils)

Saturday 6th July: Eastbourne Eagles v Staggs Bar Monarchs (Championship), 7:30pm. Ricky Wells fit to ride for Monarchs and Paul Starke guests for Josh Pickering.

Full Result Details