Shanes back for unbeaten Academy

NEWS Tuesday 14th July 2026, 9:36pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs Academy

The Monarchs Academy currently sit at the top of the National Development League and they will be aiming to strengthen their position when they take on the King's Lynn Young Stars at Armadale this Friday (7:30pm).

Monarchs welcome back their former rider Mark Parker to their ranks as a guest replacement for the missing Vinnie Foord (riding for Workington at Redcar). Otherwise they are at full strength with the exciting James Shanes available again.

The Young Stars do have some absentees due to Championship fixtures and injuries, but their shrewd team manager Jason Pipe has selected as replacements some exciting young prospects in backup to guest number one Ben Morley, one of the most experienced riders at this level. In particular Harry Sadler, Charlie Southwick and Seth Norman are amongst the currently most promising NDL riders. The Young Stars are captained by the very popular ex-Academy rider Mickie Simpson.

Academy team manager Scott Wilson is pleased to welcome Mark Parker back as his progress had previously been excellent. He said "We come into Friday looking to stretch our unbeaten start to the season to four meetings, though again missing one of our riders. This gives me the opportunity to welcome back our friend Mark Parker for a guest appearance. Mark has taken some time away to reset mentally and is now building back up to a full-time return to speedway. It will be nice to have him back in the Academy team this week".

Friday's match will be Live Streamed for those who cannot attend, details on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.

FRIDAY'S MATCH:

Friday 17th July: Edinburgh Monarchs Academy v King's Lynn Young Stars (National Development League, Armadale, 7:30pm)

ROSS COMMERCIAL FINANCE MONARCHS ACADEMY: Jordy Loftus, James Halder, Mark Parker (guest), James Shanes, Dayle Wood (Capt.), Anika Loftus, Ben Whalley.

FOSTER COLD STORES YOUNG STARS: Ben Morley (guest), Lee Harrison (guest), Harry Sadler (guest), Charlie Southwick (guest), Mickie Simpson (capt.), Sam Woods, Seth Norman (guest).