HISTORY WILL BE MADE ON FRIDAY

NEWS Tuesday 25th September 2007, 11:03pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

On Friday night Armadale Stadium plays host to the first 7-man team from Finland ever to race in the UK.

The Finnish side has been selected by Scotwaste Monarchs' star Kaj Laukkanen, and includes Finnish Under-21 Champion Jari Makinen plus World Cup rider Terio Aarnio backing the experienced duo of Laukkanen and Workington's Kauko Nieminen. Finland are one of the up and coming nations in World Speedway. Monarchs' Kalle Katajisto is also in the Finnish side while Monarchs will use thrillmaker Lee Complin and Monarchs' asset Sean Stoddart to replace their Finnish riders.

TEAMS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE MATCH AT ARMADALE ON FRIDAY 28th SEPTEMBER (start time 7.30, doors open 6.30) are:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: George Stancl, Derek Sneddon (capt.), Lee Complin, Sean Stoddart, Matthew Wethers, Gary Beaton, A N Other.

FINNISH SELECT: Kauko Nieminen (Kotkat), Teri Aarnio (Keittiopiste), Kaj Laukkanen (Kotkat), Joni Keskinen (Kotkat), Jari Makinen (Paholaiset), Kalle Katajisto (Jokerit), Petteri Koivunen (Kotkat).

THE RISE OF FINLAND: There have been a number of top-class Finnish riders in Speedway (Vesa Ylinen rode for Monarchs in the 1990's and competed on the World stage), but their setup at the moment is probably as promising as it has ever been.

They have a 6-team Elite League and stage a National Championship as well as Under-21 and Pairs events. Considering their population is much the same as Scotland's, they are above the Scots in the current international pecking order.

Kaj Laukkanen has been the leading Finn in recent years and has been keen to organise opportunities for his fellow-countrymen to progress in the sport.

YOUNG SHIELD: The cancellation of Stoke's visit to Glasgow on Monday was a blow to Monarchs' chances of snatching the final Young Shield place.

The hope had been that Stoke would lose this match heavily, and though they are likely to equal Monarchs' 26-point match points' total, they may have had inferior race points.

With the Glasgow match off till after the cutoff all Stoke now need to do is beat Berwick at home on Wednesday. A postponement would put Monarchs through.

At the weekend Mildenhall went ahead of Monarchs on race points difference, while Newport dropped out.

Had results when the teams met been the factor, Monarchs beat both Mildenhall and Stoke on aggregate.

SPONSORS ON FRIDAY: Sponsors of Friday's International challenge are Ritchie Brothers of Seafield, West Lothian, specialists in Building & Civil Engineering Works.

YOUNG FINNS ARE AN UNKNOWN QUANTITY: There is no doubt that Kaj Laukkanen and Kauko Nieminen will provide formidable opposition for the Monarchs' team on Friday.

After that, it remains to be seen! The only other rider in the side to have ridden in the UK before this week is Monarchs' own Kalle Katajisto, very inexperienced but showing flashes of talent.

It seems likely that Teri Aarnio and Jari Makinen will provide the best backing for the top two. World Cup rider Aarnio finished second behind Adam Roynon in the David Nix Memorial at Scunthorpe at the weekend (Keskinen also rode and did fairly well with 8 points) while Makinen is highly rated and won this year's Finnish Under-21 title.

The inclusion of Lee Complin ensures some thrilling racing for the fans who have already seen what this brilliant rider can do in previous appearances this season.

Confirmation is awaited from Gary Beaton at reserve and there will be one more local youngster in the no. 7 position.

INTERNATIONAL TRADITION: Friday's match continues a willingness by Scottish tracks to host international opposition. The Scots have previously played host to the likes of Holland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Australia, the Czechs, New Zealand and the Soviet Union as well as (of course) England.

P.L.R.C. ON SUNDAY: The Premier League Riders' Championship takes place on Sunday at Swindon (6pm), with Monarchs due to be represented by Kaj Laukkanen.

LAST WEEK'S MEETING: The Scotwaste Monarchs once again showed plenty of spirit to overcome injury problems and defeat Playoff contenders Somerset 48-41. Four riders finished in double figures ? George Stancl, Matthew Wethers, Kaj Laukkanen and guest Paul Clews.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: There will definitely be a match at Armadale on Friday 5th October but it will depend on the outcome of the Young Shield qualification race.