Masters signs for Monarchs rivals Oxford

Edinburgh Monarchs have confirmed that their captain of recent years, Sam Masters will not be in next year’s side. The popular Australian has signed for Monarchs’ rivals Oxford along with Lewis Kerr as part of a new-look septet for their second season back in the Championship.

Scott Nicholls, who completes a strong top three, is one of only two riders to return from the Cheetahs’ 2022 line-up along with Cameron Heeps. The Cowley side also include three riders who competed for their Chargers National Development League (NDL) side this year – Jordan Jenkins, who rode in the second tier for Redcar, Henry Atkins and Luke Killeen.

Team boss Peter Schroeck said: “Sam is a great coup for us, and we are delighted to have him on board. He has been a tremendous asset for Edinburgh and developed significantly as a rider during his time north of the border.

“Lewis really shone at Oxford during his appearances for Redcar last season and will bring a lot to the team, as will Scott and Cameron who we believe has great potential and is a steal for his average

“What’s especially pleasing is to have three Chargers riders step up to represent the Cheetahs in 2023. Jordan, Henry and Luke are all fully deserving of this promotion, and we wish them every success with us in the second tier.”

Masters explained that he and Tegan have just had their second child, Kobe, and he wants more time with them and he added: “The sole reason I have to have some time away from Edinburgh is the travel from my base in the UK.

“I don’t really want to leave to be honest, because Edinburgh is an awesome club – the club, the fans, the track are all great. I have two good mechanics in Robbie and Cammy up there as well.

“By riding down south I will have a bit more time with the family. I will really miss Edinburgh, and Tegan will too. If Edinburgh was three hours further south I would have spent my whole career there I am sure, but for now I need to have one or two years away – that’s what I’ve told John. There’s no reason other than travel I’d want to leave, I’ve never had any hassle or drama with them.”

Sam’s Aussie season is starting soon with the New South Wales titles on December 3. The Aussie Championships will be staged for the first time for a while and several riders want to get themselves on the Grand Prix qualification path, Sam included.

“I feel I’m riding well enough to be in the GP series, I have beaten these guys riding for my Polish club and I’m keen to do it.”

Had Sam been staying with Monarchs, it would not have been easy fitting his 10.58 average in. A way would have been found however. He is held in the highest regard by everyone at Edinburgh Monarchs Speedway.

Sam’s achievements with Monarchs don’t really need re-stating – two league titles (5-1s with Craig Cook in the deciding heat both times), one KO Cup, two Premier Trophies, one Four Team, one Pairs, and in season 2022 the Championship Individual to sit alongside the one he won with Somerset back in 2012. 233 appearances for the club, 2602 points and an average over 7 seasons of 9.53.

Through his commitment to British Speedway Sam has earned a Testimonial meeting which will be held at Wolverhampton in 2023. This will certainly have plenty of Edinburgh