CLUB NEWS: Monarchs celebrate 2017

Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway Club held their Awards night last week to reward those who helped  the club to success whether at racing level or behind the scenes in 2017. 7 awards were up for grabs and each one had a different winner on the night.

Best newcomer was promising 7 year old Samuel Price who took up the sport in the summer. A promising footballer he is a talented youngster at several sports. It was a close call win with Izzy Buet Gannon just missing out.

Most improved rider of the year went to 12 year old Rebekah Humphries who has made great strides in 2017. She got better as the season progressed culminating in a 2nd place in the Girls Under 12 British Championship. She just pipped Charlie Buet Gannon to the win who also took a victory late in the season at East Park in an open meeting.

The club held a Junior GP series for our Under 16’s throughout the season with the winner being crowned on the night, that was won by Connor Steel. Chairman Phil Widdas selected his rider of the season and he chose veteran Paul Timms for his superb supporting role in the 1st team, and as the new Over 60’s British Champion it was fully deserved.

The other awards were voted for on the night. The prestigious Clubperson of the year went to Michelle Steel who is a vital part of the committee and catering service. The Juniors voted Jake Steel as their Junior Rider of the year. Jake has been a great support to the younger riders.

The final award was voted for by the senior riders and that was the senior rider of the year and for the 2nd year running it was won by Ricki Johnson. So popular he has become that he has been named the new captain for 2018.

The 3rd Division Under 14’s team were also presented with their trophies for winning the league title whilst we were also able to toast the success of 17 year old Ewan Hancox who celebrated a great year as part of the winning junior GB squad in Australia and also the Midlands junior team who won the Battle of Britain.

Attention now turns to the new season with work on the track and behind the scenes at getting the club ready for the new challenges ahead. A Sports England grant will assist with some of the outstanding work that needs completing.

Keep up to date with Birmingham Monarchs news at birminghammonarchs.wordpress.com, and follow the Monarchs on Twitter with the handle @brummonarchs.