Image Credit: Ron MacNeill

GREETINGS FROM UNCLE ‘B’

NEWS Monday 30th March 2015, 7:51pm

by Brian Gray

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The 2015 season may well now be underway but thought should be given to whether the start should be the first weekend in April and not earlier!

With 50% of fixtures so far marked as 'OFF', I think the global warming or whatever has won and we have to accept that weather patterns have changed. Sunday's match at Glasgow was not a good advert for Speedway and many returning spectators to Ashfield will not have been impressed and may be, once again, lost. We must though be impressed with the huge changes to the Tigers' stadium. I declined the chance to sample the catering delights as the Uncle 'B' weight reduction program (otherwise called a 'diet') is progressing along nicely but what I did see looked good!

Glasgow will have the fittest mechanics in the league going by the length and incline of the run from the pits to the track! Talking of fitness, I was impressed with the stamina of Tigger the Tigers mascot! I'm so glad that Ed the Monarch wasn't at the match to see it. How do you tell a lion to run about a bit more?!

Did you manage to get along to Armadale last Saturday for the Press and Practise? The first thing I did when I drove in was to stop and have a look at the new mini stand which overlooks the fourth bend. I like it a lot and think it will be exceedingly popular. There are 51 seats and it is bound to be full every week.

Our hospitality areas are open to individuals and small groups on Friday to enjoy the meeting from there, the best viewing in the stadium, some say. I’ve always thought it was the bargain of the night at only £30.

All the riders took to the track and the spectators got their first glimpse of German sensation Erik Riss and his leg-trailing style. Once he gets the hang of our track he'll be an exciting rider to watch and I suspect he will fly round some of the bigger tracks in the league. Sam Masters looked like he has never been away and spent some time on track with the reserves showing them the best way round. He's going to out with them in Heats 4, 6 and 9 away and 4, 7 and 11 at home and his expertise and experience is going to be crucial in securing as many advantages as possible in these heats. Captain Cook, Justin Sedgmen and Kevin Wolbert also took to the track and, to be honest, all seven looked fast and eager so roll on Friday when they race in earnest!

It is, of course, the second leg of the prestigious Spring Trophy and we'll be hoping to overcome the six point deficit from the first leg in the first two races! It's going to be a fun night with the Easter Bunny putting in an appearance handing out Easter Eggs to the kids so come along early and make sure you stop for a chat! Until then be good and take care!

Uncle ‘B’