Speedway: Campbell backs Monarch to be kingpin at Scottish Open

Published on Thursday 28 July 2011 12:21

Edinburgh Monarchs riders have discovered that home track advantage is no automatic passport to victory in the Keylinesponsored Scottish Open speedway championship which takes place at Armadale tonight (7.15), the 400th meeting at senior level since Monarchs moved to the Lothian Arena in 1997.

Monarchs boss John Campbell, who assembles the 16-man field every year, thinks the pressure of pulling off a win in the Grand Final showdown is perhaps one reason why Monarchs have not provided a victor of the Jack Young Memorial Trophy since 2004.

Campbell explained: "Maybe they can't handle the pressure of making a decent gate in the final. There have been some tremendous races at the semi-final stage in recent years but by that time the track is always at its most slick, so you must make a decent gate in the final to stand a chance of winning, and some of our riders haven't managed that."

However, Campbell has a hunch that supporters may acclaim a home triumph this year and is tipping Andrew Tully to lift the crown. Tully was fourth in 2009 and third 12 months ago, and Campbell added: "I'd like to see Andrew win it, he has been in the final over the last few years and is very consistent, and I want a Monarch to win!"

Tully, however, could face a fight from his teammate Kevin Wolbert. The German has the class but Campbell also alluded to one of his failings, revealing: "The way the competition is set up you have to be pretty bad not to make the semi-final.

"Kevin has had some very good races this year and this puts him on a par with a lot of the others. He is certainly capable, but he does throw in some completely ridiculous races as well and can lose to reserves for no good reason."

Skipper Matthew Wethers cannot be discounted either and he said: "It would be nice to reach the final and once you get there anything can happen, but it's a tough field. If any of our guys get to there and make a good gate, it will be very hard to pass them."

The pre-meeting favourite is Rory Schlein, the last man to win in Monarchs colours seven years ago. The Australian returned to lift the trophy for a second time in 2008 wearing the Coventry Bees race-bib, and tonight he is representing his new club, Belle Vue Aces.

Schlein has been in good form for the Manchester outfit and said: "I'm happy with how I'm riding in the UK and things are also going well for me in Sweden. I'd definitely like to win the title for a third time if I can."

Campbell dismisses the belief that Schlein, who endured a nightmare at the event last year, will make it a one-horse race. "Six Monarchs are riding and all are capable of beating Rory because they have produced some fast times round Armadale this season. It's certainly not a foregone conclusion that Rory is going to win."

Campbell points out that defending champion, Berwick Bandits' Josef Franc, cannot be written off, saying: "He may not be rated favourite, but he has done it once and could do it again."