THE idea of Elite League speedway at Armadale has always been given a frosty reception by Edinburgh Monarchs fans, who currently enjoy the variety and excitement of competing in the Premier League.
But Monarchs boss John Campbell today insisted that, if the Monarchs go all the way in the play-offs and ultimately meet, in all probability, Wolverhampton, for the right to be promoted – then top flight action will definitely take place at the Lot
hian Arena in 2009.
Monarchs begin their play-off campaign against Somerset Rebels in tonight's semi-final first leg and will travel to the Oak Tree Arena for the second leg on Wednesday.
If successful, Monarchs will face either Rye House or King's Lynn in the final, with Wolves lying in wait for the victors.
Having seen off Somerset in the race for this year's championship, Monarchs are confident of coming out on top again.
And, if Ryan Fisher replicates the brilliant 17-point haul he amassed in Monarchs' Premier Trophy success at Birmingham on Sunday, then the Rebels will have cause to worry.
As champions, Monarchs had the pick of opponents and some were surprised they plumped for Somerset. But Campbell said: "We hammered them on aggregate in the league, it's as simple as that and I think we'll go through over the two legs.
"Although we are without Thomas Jonasson and cannot find anyone to replace him, after our blip against Workington in the Cup last weekend all the boys are keen to have the chance to race for promotion.
"And, if we create the miracle and beat Wolves, and it looks likely it will be them, then we will definitely be riding Elite League speedway at Armadale next season."
While many think Elite League racing is devoid of spectacle, Campbell said: "I would expect our crowds to go up significantly if we are in the top flight. Elite League racing on Sky is garbage and doesn't come across well because the clubs don't prepare their tracks properly. It has nothing to do with riders' ability or anything like that.
"If we get into the Elite League I don't anticipate our racing changing in any manner whatsoever, it will be just as good and we'll have world stars visiting every week."
Yet opponents of Elite League racing at Armadale say the loss of derby matches against Glasgow Tigers would hit Monarchs hard financially.
But Campbell pointed out: "We have raced Glasgow three times so far and their visits haven't produced the biggest crowd of the season. Not even the second highest, or third. It's the product, not necessarily Glasgow, who are bringing in the fans this year." Asked if the Monarchs fans are under a misconception about the quality of the Elite League, Campbell replied: "At Lakeside on Monday they packed the track surface down so hard, there was no possibility of anybody managing to overtake.
"If you take that decision, you'll create a gater's track. We have never done that at Armadale so I don't see why Elite League racing would be any different to what is being presented at the moment.
"However, I would have to say it will probably take a miracle for us to beat Wolves. They would have to suffer bad luck or injuries, for us to have a chance. Yet such things can happen."
Monarchs will use Birmingham's Thomasz Piszcz as a guest for William Lawson, who is en route to Pardubice in the Czech Republic for tomorrow afternoon's World Under-21 Final.
It's a huge test of Lawson's character, but the Auchterarder ace says he will give it his best shot. He said: "I've seen the track before, I rode there in the World Under-21 Team Cup earlier in the season.
"It's a huge circuit but I believe I have got the right bike set-up for the conditions. There are no bad riders in the line-up. This is my last chance at winning the title as I'll be too old next year and, if I can make five good starts, then who knows."
Piszcz will also stand in for Lawson when Monarchs travel to Ashfield to face Glasgow Tigers in the Scottish Cup first leg on Sunday – a dress rehearsal for their league clash the following week.
Piszcz, significantly, scored an 18-point maximum at Glasgow not so very long ago.
A repeat performance would surely put Monarchs in pole position for their third trophy of the season.
The full article contains 751 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
