This Friday's Scottish derby clash will be followed by a return of competitive second half racing with an inter-club challenge between the West Lothian Wildcats and the newly formed Armadale Angels.
In recent years, What The Fork Monarchs have renewed efforts to encourage a new generation of young speedway talent. First with the return of National Development League racing to Scotland with the Armadale Devils, then with the formation of the Monarchs Speedway Academy and associated youth development mini-track.
The Academy has already borne such fruit that a second Northern Junior League team has been entered for the 2022 season, with the Armadale Angels joining the West Lothian Wildcats.
Northern Junior League racing provides regular competitive racing for aspiring speedway riders with a format that offers opportunities to both 500cc and 125cc racers.
Two 500cc riders and two 125cc riders make up each team. A Northern Junior League match takes place over 6 heats with the 500cc riders racing against each other three times, alternating with the 125cc riders racing against each other three times.
The 2022 Northern Junior League will be contested by Berwick Academy, Newcastle Sapphires, Redcar Cubs and Teesside Tigers joined by West Lothian Wildcats and Armadale Angels.
The Angels 125cc riders will be Zaak Gallacher and Liam Morris managed by Alan Budzynski with the Wildcats 125cc riders being Lewis Hague and Rocco Webb managed by David McAllan. 500cc riders will be confirmed ahead of the first official NJL fixture at the end of May. You can read full profiles of the young Academy riders in this Friday's Match Magazine.
'A massive well done to Garry, SACU intern Clare and the rest of the volunteers at the Monarchs Speedway Academy. It's great to see their efforts being rewarded with the formation of the Armadale Angels and the inter club challenge.' - Shabaz Khan, Learning and Development Manager.