CLUB NEWS: Birmingham return to racing this weekend

The Birmingham Monarchs Cycle Speedway Club get back to action on Sunday after nearly a month of no team racing. Coventry are the visitors in Midland league action with a start time of 1pm for juniors, 2pm seniors.

Coventry will be without skipper Myke Grimes who is attending a family wedding but the visitors will have plenty of riders capable of making it an interesting match up. Despite the lack of team action seniors and juniors have been involved in action in other competitions both here and in Europe.

The European Championships took place in Poland last weekend with all major categories being raced for. Birmingham had 3 riders that had travelled to compete. Both Chris Timms and Mark Winwood qualified for the Finals, whilst Josh Hill missed out on qualification.

Timms finished 12th in the Senior final, whilst Winwood finished 6th in the Veterans Final, that final won by England’s 2015 World veterans champion Craig Marchant of Leicester.

Connor Steel took 2nd place in the Joe Guy memorial U13’s meeting at East Park 2 weeks ago with Jake Steel, Charlie and Issy Buet Gannon also competing. This is the 2nd year of its staging. 2 weeks ago Birmingham riders Timms, Ricki Johnson and Jake Steel were selected to ride for the Midlands in the Battle of Britain competition. The Midlands losing both matches in nail biting and heart breaking last heat deciders.

This Saturday the juniors travel to Coventry for round 3 of the BYJL Nationals competition. Only 2 Monarchs have competed in both rounds so far. Charlie Buet Gannon has made 2 finals so far in the U12’s category whilst likewise Samuel Price has also made 2 final appearances in the U8’s. Both will be looking to reach an A Final where big points are scored towards a grading for next season.

Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday, U16’s 6pm, seniors 7pm. All abilities welcome.

Photo by Andy Whitehouse.