Air Fence Renewal - Monarchs set to install world-class safety fence

NEWS Wednesday 4th December 2024, 11:00am

by Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway

  Edinburgh Monarchs

A new air safety fence will be installed at Armadale Stadium ahead of the 2025 season with Stellar Monarchs Co-Promoter John Campbell sharing details of the project including fundraising efforts.

Monarchs first installed an air fence back in 2014 to boost rider safety but unfortunately these fences have a safe-use life and the original fence has reached the end of its useful life.

Campbell said, "The previous fence has done a terrific job for over 10 years and has undoubtedly saved riders from injury. However it is now due for replacement and we have been working away at this in recent months.

"We have been looking at the options and are confident that we have sourced an excellent replacement. It will be the same standard as the type used in the Grand Prix series as we know that rider safety is of the upmost importance."

Replacing the air fence does have a significant cost attached to it. Campbell explained how the Club will manage this, "To replace the air fence and carry out some associated works to install it is likely to come at a cost approaching £30,000."

"The Club is grateful to the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund who offer a loan option to clubs seeking to install a new air fence. We have taken up this option but it is a loan and there are specific repayment terms that we must match."

This is a significant investment in the future of the Monarchs but Campbell is keen to protect the day-to-day budget of the Club, "This five figure sum for the fence is significant and the challenges of our regular budget are well known. To avoid putting additional strain on this we are working on alternative fundraising events."

"We are working with our supporters groups, including the Monarchs 100 and Monarchs Fans Trust, to put on events that are interesting and fun for our fans to participate in where we can raise the additional funds required to repay the loan.

"It is also our aim to reach out to businesses in the local area to boost their involvement with our Club by having advertising banners on our new air fence for the upcoming season.

"Some of our recent supporters events have already started the fundraising and we are pleased that we will continue to provide a safe racetrack for all riders to showcase their skills on."

If you own a business and would like to support the air fence renewal fund by having an advertising banner on the new fence or are a supporter that would like to approach a local business then you can find out more details here:

Air Fence Sponsorship Brochure

Some supporters have generously approached the Club seeking to support the new fence. A package has been put together for this which can be viewed here:

Supporter Air Fence Package

Details of initial fundraising events will follow shortly. If you are looking to support fundraising efforts for a different amount than the above package or have ideas for fundraising events then please get in touch with the Club here.