Blair Scott has made probably his best ever start to the season. He has qualified for his third successive British Under-21 Final and has been scoring consistently well and picking up points everywhere. Blair is riding in the number two position and with partner Kavin Little toiling, at least away from home, Blair may as well be at number one for Monarchs. Blair had to get into the final the hard way via a semi-final at Newport that Blair admitted he was 'dreading'. The small Welsh track is probably Blair's least favourite and he was relieved to get through even though he had to come from the back in a ride-off for the last qualifying place against Jamie Birkinshaw. Blair commented:
"I thought I had blown it after my first two rides. In the run-off it was kamikaze around the outside, I just had to get past. Now I can't wait for the Armadale meeting."
Blair has an impressive record in qualifying events. He became the youngest rider ever to win a World Championship round when he won the Quarter-final of the British Under-21 Championship at Linlithgow as a 15 year-old back in 1996. After missing out in 1997 due to injury, he qualified impressively for the 1998 and 1999 finals. In 1998, Blair scored 12 points in the Berwick semi-final and lost a multi-way run-off for first place to home rider David Meldrum, taking second place. In 1999 he went one better and scored a 15-point maximum at Workington. This included an brilliant win over Grant MacDonald who was then a heat leader for Workington.
Blair has so far failed to deliver in the final although he had a good go in the Arena Essex final in 1998. Blair likes the Arena Essex track and he scored 9 points and won a run-off against David Meldrum to become reserve for the Continental rounds. This should have been enough as Britain were subsequently allocated an additional qualifying place. This was denied Blair and Leigh Lanham, who failed to qualify after being injured in the final, was 'seeded' through instead.
Blair commented about his form and prospects this time:
"My form's not too bad except for a fall on Friday. But it happens. I've been more than happy with my away form, especially at Sheffield. Nine was the most I've got there in the Premier League anyway, I just hope I can keep it going – that's my aim".
"The bike's going well, touch wood, especially the new one. They went well last year as well, I never really had any problems with them other than minor things. I wouldn't say anyone in the meeting frightens me, I think I'm capable of beating any of them on the night."
"The aim is to make the continental stages and get some experience. I've never ridden abroad. We've got no more meetings for a fortnight other than the Under-21 Final on Friday, so that clears the way for the big effort in that meeting. I'm ready for it."
"I'm only thinking about grabbing a qualifying place. But if I'm in with a chance of actually winning once I know I'm safe, then I'll see what happens. It will certainly be the biggest meeting I've raced in so far. I'm looking forward to it but I'm also nervous."