Speedway – Nicholls back after 20 years

Eric Riss back in action for Edinburgh Monarchs on Friday against Peterborough Panthers at Armadale. Picture Nigel Duncan Media

Six-time British champion Scott Nicholls visits Armadale for the second time, 20 years after his first.

Nicholls rides for Peterborough Panthers as The Staggs Bar Monarchs race their first Championship match of the season on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm).

His last visit was for an England under-21 side in a 1998 Test Match against Scotland which is still rated one of the best matches ever seen at the stadium.

He has enjoyed a world-class career which has included appearances in the Grand Prix and he still rides in the Premiership for Rye House.

Monarchs welcome back skipper Erik Riss who missed last Friday and Ricky Wells will be looking to repeat his five-ride maximum of last Friday.

Panthers have two riders away on Danish League duty. They will use rider replacement for Ulrich Ostergaard and Newcastle’s Carl Wilkinson comes in to guest for Emil Grondal.

Alex Harkess, Monarchs’ home team manager, commented “It’s our first league match and it is very important to get off to the right start.”