Academy class of 2026 unveiled

NEWS Tuesday 3rd February 2026, 8:00pm

by Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

Edinburgh Monarchs Academy are delighted to unveil the class of 2026 in full with a fresh feel ready to battle for the WSRA National Development League title.

Jordy Loftus, Connor Coles, and Dayle Wood return from the 2025 team which finished runners-up in the league, joined by new faces Vinnie Foord, Jamie Halder, Anika Loftus, and Ben Whalley.

Monarchs Academy manager Scott Wilson gives the full run down on his 2026 team, "I put a post out on my social media a week or two ago, saying how excited I was for the new season. I hope now the Monarchs supporters can see why I said that! I'm very pleased with the team I've put together.

"With the points limit being where it is this season, it quickly became obvious that teams were going to have strong heat leaders throughout the league. We have been able to match that by adding Vinnie to what we had last season with Jordy, Dayle and Connor. It gives us a powerful top 4, particularly at home."

Strength in depth approach

Wilson continued, "The key, though, was to be clever with the points we had remaining to try to ensure we were solid all the way through. Jamie and Ben give me the guarantee of a strong rider in the no.6 spot all season and I really do believe that will be important. Backing up the top 4 is crucial, and we are in good position to do that.

"The team being built with such strength-in-depth allows Anika to come in for her first season of UK racing with no pressure on her shoulders. We know the talent she has, but being able to ride free of pressure is important at this early stage in her UK career.

"Jordy set his sights on the no.1 race jacket last season and he was unlucky not to achieve that before the end of the season, however his performances in 2025 mean he starts in that position for 2026. Nothing phases this young man and I know he is determined to prove himself as a no.1 rider at this level.

"Of course, Jordy will face plenty of competition for that no.1 spot in the team. Dayle and Connor each filled that spot last season and can push for it again in 2026. Those two will be crucial in so many ways, as much off-track as on it. I know what I'm going to get from Dayle and Connor and that stability is important in any successful side. Equally, they know the club inside out having both spent several years at Edinburgh. That will be important for someone like Ben, who is new to everything."

Exciting newcomers

There will be four new riders in the team next year, Wilson introduced them, "Vinnie is one I'm really excited about. Firstly, because of his talent on a speedway bike. He is one who will excite the fans, that's for sure. I watched him carefully last year and I felt there was a growing maturity about him which is why I expect him to really push on this season. He was so keen to be part of things at Edinburgh, it was a no brainer!

"Jamie was so impressive on his visit to Armadale last year that when I spoke to him and learned that he might be available, I knew we had to make sure we got him. He's a trapper and a very tidy rider too, I believe Edinburgh can bring the best out in him.

"Ben really is the rider who allowed me to build the team with such top end strength, because I knew I had a rider on a false 2.00 average lower down the team. Of course, we'll need to give him time to settle in but having kept a close eye on him in New Zealand and Australia in recent years, I expect him to improve significantly on that starting average. Ben had interest from several clubs but after a couple of conversations he and I shared, he was in no doubt about where he wanted to be."

A first for Monarchs

Anika Loftus will join younger brother Jordy in the side, a signing Wilson is excited about, "Anika brings plenty of excitement, not least by becoming the first female rider to represent the Edinburgh Monarchs! I know we have a growing female fan base and this signing, particularly for the young girls in our support, is a wonderful thing.

"Of course, Anika is here on merit. She has shown enough promise back home in Australia to convince us that she is deserving of an opportunity at this level. I know she's super excited to be part of the club and knowing her personality, I am certain she is going to be a real asset to the club in so many ways.

"Some supporters may, quite rightly, be wondering why Lee Harrison has not been retained in the team from last season. Lee was involved in a pretty big crash in the early part of last season and is still working to regain his confidence and form. At this time, Lee wishes to take a small step back from NDL racing to finish rebuilding that confidence.

"I believe Lee has a bright future in the sport and, as his manager, I have to do what is best for Lee in the long term to ensure he is not lost to speedway completely. He remains very much a part of the club and we look forward to seeing him back in an Academy race jacket in the future."

Monarchs supporters can look forward to seeing the Academy team take on Buxton, King's Lynn, Leicester, Middlesbrough, and Oxford in the race for the 2026 WSRA National Development League title.

Academy Racejacket Sponsorship

2026 Monarchs Academy racejackets are available to sponsor at £150 per jacket, offering your name printed on the back of your sponsored jacket and you get to keep it at the end of the season!

If you are interested in supporting Academy racing in this manner then please contact the club here.