Toasting the Champions Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

ALEX KEEPS THE TOP JOB

NEWS Monday 22nd November 2010, 8:14pm

by Ron Gourlay

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Scotwaste Monarchs Chairman, Alex Harkess, was unanimously re-elected as the Chairman of the British Speedway Promoters' Association at their annual general meeting held in Bournemouth over the past four days.

It's Alex second year in the position and throughout his first year he worked tirelessly on behalf of British Speedway and some of his efforts will come to light over the next few weeks and months.

Said co-promoter, John Campbell, who also attended the meeting at Bournemouth, "Alex is a popular and highly respected Chairman of our Association and he takes charge well at our meetings but that's only a very small fraction of the job. His efforts in the past year have been immense and there is no doubt that British Speedway is held in much higher regard now than it was twelve months ago and that's down to Alex' efforts."

Alex commented, "If I'd known twelve months ago what I know now about the commitment required for this job I'd probably not have taken it on but a year down the line I wouldn't want to walk away now. Chairing a meeting over four days is exceptionally draining and I can tell you I was pleased to get to bed on Sunday night.

"However, an early start at my real work allowed me to catch up a little and by the time the phone started ringing again at 9 for speedway I was almost able to give yet more of my time to the sport. I'm thinking that I'll have to get a personal assistant here to help with my diary and travel arrangements but other than that I'll continue to take it in my stride."

A promoter at Edinburgh for twenty years, Alex served in various positions on the sport's Management Committee before being elected as Chairman in November 2009.