DOUBLE HEADER PREVIEW: Scunthorpe v Edinburgh

30-HEAT FEAST AT THE EDDIE WRIGHT RACEWAY

ELLIE ROSE TRAVEL Scunthorpe Scorpions face a must-win fixture against the Edinburgh Monarchs in a Cab Direct Championship clash at Scunthorpe’s Eddie Wright Raceway tomorrow evening (Friday, July 25) in a meeting commencing at the slightly earlier than usual start-time of 7pm.

There are 30 heats on offer, since in the second half, the Steelers – the joint Scunthorpe and Sheffield side entered in the WSRA National League – take to the track against the Edinburgh Academy.

As usual, the double-header action means a busy evening for Simon Lambert, who will switch from captaining the Scorpions in the first meeting to managing Steelers in the second meeting.

Scorpions suffered double defeat last weekend at home to Poole and away to Workington, and the two defeats were a huge blow to their hopes of reaching the Cab Direct Championship play-offs. But a victory over Edinburgh would push Scorpions back into the top four.

Steelers have a much-changed line-up due to injures and absences. Luke Harrison is riding for Scorpions but not for Steelers, since he is racing abroad in France on Saturday, having been called up by Great Britain for the European Under-24 Team Final. To make it on time, he will leave as soon as Heat 15 is completed of the first meeting.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “We need a reaction from the team after last weekend’s results, which were hugely disappointing. I’m not going to kid anyone – at the moment, I feel we’re fighting more not to finish bottom of the league rather than reaching the play-offs.

“It will be another tough meeting against Edinburgh Monarchs, who are very much in the play-off race. They are currently third and will no doubt fancy their chances, especially with a certain Michael Palm Toft returning to a track he knows very well.

“It’s also a packed programme of racing as we have a double header with a National League match between the Steelers and the Edinburgh Academy after the senior meeting. In between the two meetings, we’ll do the kids’ running race and see if anyone can beat Stevie Worrall’s lad.

“It will be a top night of entertainment at the Eddie Wright Raceway, with 30 heats of action. We’ve kept prices competitive – it’s just £5 more than a standalone Scorpions’ fixture.”

For those who cannot make it to the Eddie Wright Raceway, Scorpions are live streaming the Cab Direct Championship meeting for just £12.99 at: https://tv.scunthorpe-speedway.com/

Please note that while it’s cash or card on the turnstile, it is cash only once you were inside the Eddie Wright Raceway.

ADMISSION PRICES FOR TOMORROW (FRIDAY):

Adult: £25

Student/OAP: £23

Child (0 – 16): Free (must be accompanied by paying adult)

Programme: £2

Car Parking free

Pay on the day at the turnstiles by cash or card.

Expected teams for tomorrow (Friday):

Ellie Rose Travel Scunthorpe Scorpions: 1. Steve Worrall, 2. Simon Lambert (C), 3. Declan Kennedy, 4. Connor Mountain, 5. Jake Allen, 6. Luke Harrison, 7. Zaine Kennedy.

Edinburgh Monarchs: 1. Victor Palovaara, 2. Paco Castagna (C), 3. Justin Sedgmen, 4. Kye Thomson, 5. Michael Palm Toft, 6. Jonathan Grahn, 7. Jordy Loftus.

Steelers: 1. Luke Harrison R/R, 2. Stene Pijper, 3. Ashton Vale, 4. Tom Spencer, 5. Vinnie Foord, 6. Luke Harrison, 7. Sam Woods, 8. Jack Franklin.

Edinburgh Academy: 1. Ben Trigger, 2. Mark Parker 3. Matt Marson R/R, 4. Sam McGurk, 5. Connor Coles (C), 6. Jordy Loftus, 7. Lee Harrison.