Gladiators arrive led by celebrated duo

NEWS Wednesday 11th August 2021, 4:48pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Fourteen years ago Jason Crump had agreed to come to Armadale for a special appearance, only to be ruled out by an injury received in a Grand Prix just a few days beforehand. On Friday he finally makes his bow at the track along with his team mates in the Plymouth Gladiators' lineup.

Jason is a three-time World Champion, and his return to the sport this season after several years out came as a surprise (he was 46 last week). He isn't quite at his old level of course but is still a regular race winner in both UK Leagues and well worth watching.

His Danish team mate Bjarne Pedersen is just three years younger and hasn't been to Armadale since 2002, but he has had a superb season and seems to be even better than when he won the Jan Andersen Farewell Hoedown 19 years ago!

The remainder of the Plymouth team is good enough to have gained a 10-point win over Monarchs on their own circuit last week.

Team manager Alex Harkess said "We will be expecting a home victory on Friday but it will be a pleasure to welcome the Gladiators in their first season back in the Championship, and with two distinguished stars leading the way. They have some lively backup riders and I expect a good evening's entertainment."

There is also Speedway at Armadale on Saturday when a round of the British Youth Championship will be held (2:30pm). One of these events was staged in October last year and proved very enjoyable. Stressing the importance of the event, promoter John Campbell said "You have only got to look at the field in the equivalent event we staged last year to see how riders are progressing. Nine in last year's event are now holding down spots with National Development League teams and, in addition, three of them are also representing Championship clubs. That's great stuff!!"

As with all Armadale matches this season both Friday's and Saturday's events will be Live Streamed, however the stream will be available only to those outwith a 25 mile radius of the track. Anyone within that limit but unable to attend should email us here

THIS WEEK'S MEETINGS:

Friday 13th August: Edinburgh What the Fork Monarchs v Plymouth (Championship), Armadale, 7:30pm

WHAT THE FORK MONARCHS: Sam Masters (capt.), William Lawson, Kye Thomson, Josh Pickering, Richie Worrall, Luke Crang, Nathan Greaves.

GLADIATORS: Jason Crump, Dillon Ruml, Zach Cook, Zane Keleher, Bjarne Pedersen, Alfie Bowtell, Jason Edwards.

Saturday 14th August: The British Youth Championship, 500cc, 250cc, 125cc. Armadale, 2:30pm.