PREVIEW: Stars of tomorrow head for Perry Hall

Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway club entertain the upcoming stars of tomorrow of the sport by staging the British Junior & Youth League this Saturday (25th April).

Over 60 of the sports emerging junior talent will be on parade at Monarchs` Perry Hall Playing Fields headquarters for round 2 of the Midlands area regional qualifying round of the leading junior competition of the sport.

Riders, including a sizeable contingent of junior Monarchs, must register to race by the organisers by 11.30qm – with the first race scheduled for 12 midday. Riders race in their own age category from under 8s and includes a girl’s only section.

Monarchs fast improving 9 year old Connor Steel, who won the opening round of the U10`s at Leicester a fortnight ago, will again be a leading contender on his home circuit. He finished 2nd nationally in the U8`s last year and has now progressed to the next age classification.

Ryan Winwood took 3rd place at Leicester in the U12`s and will be hoping for another A final finish on his home track. The son of Monarchs veteran kingpin Mark, diminutive Ryan will be hoping for another podium placing.

Marc Phipps, who won the U12`s Midland competition last year, has stepped up to the U14`s this year and is facing much tougher competition. He made the B final in Leicester in the first round.

Teenage sensation Ewan Hancox (pictured by Paul Devine), who has forced his way into the Monarch first team, is expected to compete in the U17`s competition. He has started the season in terrific style and has earned rave reviews.

Girl racer Emily Pitt will be looking to maintain her steady improvement on her home Perry Hall track. Super keen Emily has started to race in national competitions and only last week she was in action at a major event in Sheffield.

The Birmingham club, who boast several British champions in their ranks, continue to reach out to the local community in their search for the latest national champions from their local North Birmingham catchment area.

The latest local group to take part in the fast and exciting sport of Cycle Speedway at Perry Hall will be a party from Dorrington School, with youngsters and parents coming to have a look at the sport.

The School and children are excited about becoming involved in the sport as there is a trip to the track planned for some of the classes in the next few weeks – with further visits planned for the remaining classes through-out the year.

Monarchs Community Manager Steve Hodgkinson is keen to hear from any local groups who would like to take part in free `taster` sessions at the Perry Hall venue. Bikes and safety equipment are always available as part of any group visit. Youth groups, scout clubs or individual parents can contact Steve on: 07825 585828.

For more information on Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway, including how to get involved, you can visit: www.birminghammonarchs.wordpress.com or by ringing: 07825 585828.