Excitement builds on eve of 2025 season

NEWS Thursday 3rd April 2025, 8:05pm

by Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Excitement is building ahead of the start of the 2025 speedway season with a big crowd anticipated for an intriguing Scottish Cup opening clash on Friday.

There is nothing like a Scottish derby to whet the speedway appetite and there's not long to wait for supporters to enjoy their first serving of action this season.

Stellar Monarchs Co-Promoter John Campbell is excited to start, "It is always an exciting time of the season as we all look forward to seeing our speedway stars back on track. There is an added element of intrigue this season as we have some newcomers in the side."

Tickets are selling well for Friday's opener and supporters are encouraged to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere. Campbell continued, "A Scottish derby is always a wonderful occasion and it is always an important fixture no matter the competition. Get down early and if coming by car please park responsibly - it will be great to see everyone again.

"We have held the Scottish Cup since it was last staged back in 2018, it has been freshly polished and we are eager to retain it again. I believe we have the team to do it and, with a big crowd to back us on Friday, we will be aiming to build a lead ahead of the second leg."

There has been a change to the line up with late news coming from Poland that Oskar Polis will not be in attendance. Campbell explained, "Speedway in Poland is a very big sport and we are proud to have a Polish rider in our team for the first time in a long while, especially a rider of Oskar's calibre.

"Oskar's Polish team Opole have a major event on Friday and despite extensive discussions it has not been possible to release Oskar from this.

"Friday's Scottish Cup match is a very important one for our Club but unfortunately does not register within the rules of the International Speedway League Bureau which determines where a rider should race in the event of a clash. Due to this Oskar has been compelled to remain in Poland on Friday and rider replacement will cover for him.

"Oskar is keen to get started here and is already determined to make up for this in next Friday's second leg and throughout the season with us. Oskar is fully committed to British Speedway and we are excited to have him in our team."

Supporters attending Armadale Stadium on Friday will find the stadium in a fine condition for the new season thanks to a power of work in recent weeks. Campbell paid tribute to all involved, "There has a been a team of volunteers working hard to bring the stadium into a great state for the new season. The Club extends a massive thank you to each and every one of them.

"From installing the new safety fence, to general tidying, painting, gardening and more, there have been helpers in the stadium every day over the past few weeks working long hours.

"I must name and thank some of those who have helped us including: Ronnie Anderson, Ian Marshall, Robert Cochrane, Alex Gibson, Lindsay Moffat, Bob Brownlee, David Cunningham, Ronnie Williamson, Richard Smith, and everyone else that has turned out to assist.

"They should be very proud of the work they have done and we are very proud to have them apart of our Club."

Supporters have been counting down the hours for months and it is almost time to see your Stellar Monarchs in action! Be sure to secure your tickets before 11:59pm on Thursday for pre-matchday prices or otherwise tickets will be available at the gate on Friday.

Bring on season 2025!

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