YOU'VE to go all the way back to 1986 to find the last time Edinburgh Monarchs captured the Premier League Best Pairs Championship.
Les Collins and Doug Wyer trooped off with the silverware on that occasion. But Ryan Fisher and Andrew Tully, who represent the Capital speedway club in tonight's showpiece event at Somerset's Oak Tree Arena, are bullish about the prospect of ending
that drought.
The Monarchs duo have been drawn in the easier Group Two alongside, Birmingham, Workington, Redcar and Glasgow. Group One is a lot tougher containing the home team and possible favourites King's Lynn, plus Scunthorpe, Rye House and Berwick.
Tully who scored one of his best ever race wins in defeating Kevin Doolan and Andre Compton in the KO Cup top scorers finale at Workington last weekend, said: "It is an extremely tough event simply because the cream of the Premier League are taking part. There will be no easy rides but I scored five points in our league visit to Somerset recently and would like to improve on that."
Fisher is also under no illusions over the enormity of the task.
"It's something different I guess but it boils down to the same thing – you need to beat your opponents to stand a chance. I'm riding well at the moment and feel confident about our chance of success."
Meanwhile, Monarchs boss John Campbell's search for Thomas Jonasson's replacement continues. Talks are on-going with a rider but, even if agreement is reached, the individual concerned won't be able to make his debut until after July 10– the date Monarchs' rider replacement facility for Jonasson runs out.
Campbell said: "We are progressing but we are a distance away from a deal being concluded. A significant number of people are willing to assist financially but we are not quite at the amount required. However, that's not the sticking point at the moment."
Asked if the mystery man is keen to ride in the UK, Campbell replied: "It's difficult to tell because he speaks little English. But the fact he is considering our offer suggests he is reasonably excited about the prospect of riding in the Premier League.
"The first available date he could turn out for us has not been settled yet. But there is no undue pressure and he also has a few points he wants clarified."
