Trusty machinery key to Lawson's super form

WILLIAM LAWSON has made a flying start to 2008 for Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs – by turning the clock back to 2005!

The Auchterarder ace, who faces Glasgow Tigers in tonight's vital Premier Trophy derby at Armadale, has seemingly cured the mechanical gremlins which blighted his scoring at the Lothian Arena and led to his secondment to Elite League Wolverhampton midway through last season.

But the circumspect racer, despite mudbath conditions of late, is beginning to show the class and ability his admirers have long eulogised about.

A cracking 15-point maximum against the Tigers in Monarchs' Spring Trophy home opener last month sent his confidence into the stratosphere. Lawson revealed it's all down to former Monarchs skipper Frede Schott.

He said: "I made a good start to the season in 2007 but things went pear shaped. My engines weren't quick enough. But the engine I've started this year with is one I used in 2005, which I got from Frede Schott in Denmark.

"It blew up at some point after that but I put it together as a spare engine and I used it at Wolverhampton's practice day last month. I was delighted by the way it worked and that's the motor I'm currently using and will continue to use."

Lawson's spell in the top flight has helped him smooth out some rough edges. He added: "When you race in the Elite League you keep your eyes and ears open. Sometimes you are offered advice and sometimes you take it. But I quickly worked out, if I wasn't going well, it was down to my machinery. I'm very clear in my mind about that. So now if I have a problem I'll take it out of the bike and put something else in."

Although Lawson is grateful for the time spent at Wolverhampton, he confessed he was under a fair amount of strain.

"My reflexes are better," he said. "Your reactions have got to be fast in the Elite League because the competition is that much greater. But I put myself under pressure all the time. You can't help it, the concentration just takes over".

He added: "I would have liked another month with Wolves, but now I'm back with Edinburgh I think I'm part of a team which is going to do well."

The criticism Lawson received last season regarding his unreliable equipment hurt. "It did a bit," he said. "But I do everything to high standards and every rider has mechanical breakdowns. What frustrated me was the fact my bikes simply weren't fast enough. I know the problem, but I'm not saying it's a technical secret. I didn't break down as often as some people. I kept insisting in my head it's not the rider, it's the bike."

Lawson was top scorer with 14 as Monarchs downed Workington Comets last week and, with Glasgow also defeating the Cumbrian side, Monarchs would appear to be firmly in the driving seat for a place in the semi-finals.

Lawson said: "The track was a bit tricky against Workington, it was very greasy and had no grip. That stopped me getting out of the gate and certainly stopped me catching Daniel Nermark who scored an 18-point maximum.

"But we all scored points and the team should be looking to win at home very week and target the fixtures we can win on the road. Our first league match is away to Redcar next week and I think the squad we have can get very close to winning the title." Glasgow really need to win tonight to stay in Premier Trophy contention. And, while Monarchs have already notched up a Spring Trophy double over their oldest rivals, it would be foolish to write them off.

The Ashfield outfit are back at full strength with fast-gating Ross Brady back in the saddle after a pre-season collarbone injury.

Lawson said: "It should be a straightforward win for us, however you cannot underestimate anybody. It's been track conditions, I think, which has caught Parker out against us and you can be sure he'll be out to get double figures."

Monarchs are likely to be without Thomas Jonasson for a second week after the Swede injured his back at Glasgow.

Monarchs travel to Workington tomorrow night for the restaging of the Premier Trophy fixture which was washed out last week.