Monarchs have completed their 2001 team with the signature of New South Wales youngster Ben Shields from the Hunter Valley near Cessnock. Ben rides at Gosford Speedway alongside the likes of Mick Poole and his cousin Adam Shields.
Monarchs regulars may remeber how impressive Adam Shields was for the Isle of Wight. He also went on record on how he liked the Armadale track and couldn't wait to return. Since Adam and Ben have been raised on the same tracks, Adam's performance at Armadale augers well for Ben.
Ben Shields is one of the hottest young prospects in Australian speedway. He has a great future within the sport and has been tipped to rise to the highest level.
Ben is a relative newcomer to the sport of speedway and only started riding a speedway bike recently on a track at his family's country property. Ben's natural poise and skill on the bike saw him progress through the ranks at a phenomenal rate.
Ben took fifth place in the New South Wales Championship this year. He dropped only two points in the qualifying heats (one to Todd Wiltshire and one to Mick Poole). However he missed the start in the A Final and trailed in behind Wiltshire, Poole, Dean Wiseman, and Adam Shields.
Ben will take delivery of a brand new Jawa bike on his arrival in the UK. It is expected that Ben will do some promotional work for Monarchs by visiting local schools. His father, former international rider, Dave Shields will accompany Ben as part of the Team Shields Racing entourage.
Ben will come in on an average of seven points. That will put him in the third heat leader place in the initial race order. It is likely that he will ride at number 3 with Jan Andersen partnering him at number 4. It remains highly likely that Jan will move up to heat leader with the first set of Green Sheet averages. If this happens it will enable Ben to drop down the order and take a bit of pressure off him.
Monarchs line-up (in likely race order) is given below:
1. Robert Eriksson (9.46)
2. Blair Scott (4.95)
3. Ben Shields (7.00)
4. Jan Andersen (5.71)
5. Peter Carr (9.99)
6. Christian Henry (4.14)
7. Derek Sneddon (3.00)
Total points: 44.25
For further information and an interview with Ben see the following website: