SPEEDWAY star William Lawson, who broke his collarbone against Stoke Potters at Armadale on Friday, could be back in action for Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs before the end of the month.
Although doctors have advised the 21-year-old heat leader that his injury will take between six and eight weeks to heal, the Scot is investigating the possibility of receiving laser treatment which could cut his recovery time in half.
Said Lawson:
"I have heard about laser treatment, but haven't thought any more about it, I haven't really grasped what it entails. But it's a clean break. I've got painkillers but haven't taken any yet. I've been told I'll be out for possibly eight weeks. I'm due to go to my local hospital on Wednesday for a further x-ray.
"I asked about laser treatment when I was taken to Monklands Hospital after the crash but they knew nothing about it.
"They simply X-rayed the collarbone, told me it was broken and said 'goodbye'."
Lawson came to grief after colliding with Potters star Andrew Moore, who lost control on the third bend of their heat six race.
"I made a bad gate," said Lawson. "I came round the outside of Andrew to try and overtake him. But he lost control and drifted wide. He shut off and his back wheel drifted onto my line and my front wheel clipped it.
"I knew right away that the collarbone had gone. I just felt it. But I'm keen to get back on my bike as quickly as possible. If laser treatment can help that process I'll definitely look into it."
It's often said in speedway that if you can avoid injuries it can sometimes be the difference that separates title challengers from the also-rans.
Monarchs, who are slugging it out with Somerset Rebels at the top of the table, face a tough test against Rye House Rockets at home this week before travelling to Reading Racers and the Isle of Wight next Monday and Tuesday respectively.
Yet the Capital outfit enter this critical phase with not only Lawson sidelined but both Thomas Jonasson and Aaron Summers less than 100 per cent fit. But promoter John Campbell thinks this setback will not derail Monarchs' championship challenge.
He said: "The big difference right now is Aaron's injury which he picked up riding for Australia in Germany almost three weeks ago. He suffered broken ribs amongst other things.
"Aaron struggled on Friday although we beat Stoke comfortably 54-39 in the end. That was because of the tight turns at Armadale. I'm hoping this week he will feel a lot better. I think he misjudged just how much pain he was in. He took painkillers during the match which made things easier for him after that."
Jonasson was ruled out after suffering concussion in a Swedish fixture early last week but is expected to face Rye House.
But Jonasson, who also rides in both the Swedish and Polish Leagues, has basically been a part-time performer for Monarchs so far this season through knocks and fixture clashes, and he will miss his side's match with Mildenhall on August 8 because of his involvement in the Swedish Under-21 Final.
Jonasson badly needs track time at Armadale and his absence against Stoke was especially frustrating as a an engine specially prepared for the Lothian Arena was awaiting him.
Said Campbell: "Thomas is at an age where he is very popular because you have to be 21 or younger to ride at the level he does in the Polish League.
"I suspect when he reaches 22 he won't be quite so attractive to the Polish League but that's some way off yet. He has taken a few knocks along the way and that was always going to happen because he has been racing almost every night of the week when he is fit. His chance of getting injured are twice as high as anybody else because he rides twice as often."
Monarchs' return fixture at Stoke Potters on Saturday was abandoned after nine heats due to rain, the Capital side leading 28-26 at the time.
• MONARCHS have qualified for the Premier League Fours at Workington on July 26.
The full article contains 713 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
