Speedway: Monarchs poised to sign teenager Helfer as Wright prepares to leave

German teenager Marcel Helfer, who impressed in a pre-season practice session, could become a fully-fledged Edinburgh Monarchs rider by the end of the week as reserve star Charles Wright looks set to part company with the Capital club after just four months.

Monarchs co-promoter Alex Harkess hinted today that the signing could benefit Monarchs in the long-term.

Harkess told the Evening News: “He rode in our practice session and looked very good. He was still at school, otherwise we might have signed him at the time. But his parents wanted him to finish his education and that’s how it should be.”

Helfer scored two points in the recent Grand Prix qualifying meeting at Berwick, a commendable effort given his age, and it’s this degree of promise which Monarchs are keen to capitalise on.

Said Harkess: “If Marcel does sign and goes on to ride well, he’d become our own asset and you always have to keep an eye on the future. He does not have many commitments abroad and won’t be riding in Europe every week”

Although Helfer has never ridden in the Premier League, Harkess acknowledged that Wright, despite his experience, has fallen short of the mark at the tail-end.

“I’m not saying Charles isn’t up to the job, but you just have to look at some of our away results this year and that’s the whole point,” Harkess added

Monarchs will host Glasgow Tigers in the KO Cup quarter final second leg at Armadale on Friday, Redcar Bears having agreed to come back at a later date for their league encounter.

Monarchs are in pole position to meet Ipswich Witches in the semi finals after beating the Tigers 46-44 in the first leg at Ashfield on Sunday.