James started out with Glasgow in 1991 and worked his way through the junior ranks. He stayed there until the Tigers closed down at the end of 1995. During this time he was a member of two Second Division double winning sides in 1993 and 1994. He was snapped up by Wolverhampton in 1996 and became a key member of their double winning side in the unified Premier League.

He stayed at Wolverhampton after the split into two divisions in 1997. Like many others James found the going tough in the Elite League, especially in 1998. He was dropped mid-way through last season and moved to Berwick on loan. He made brilliant debut for Scotland at Armadale gaining a maximum. In the process he beat several highly rated riders including Scott Nicholls, Leigh Lanham and Lee Richardson.. He was undoubtedly the star of the three matches series.

This season, he was offered a place back at Wolverhamton but opted to have one more year in the Premier League. He joined Monarchs in preference to several other teams on loan for 1999. He will probably return to Wolverhampton in 2000 where he is due a benifit.

He is one of the best riders around Armadale. Apart from the Test Match maximum he scored 17 points from six rides for Berwick in the Premier League and 9 from four rides in the Fours. He very nearly won the Scottish Open having led the final for several laps until passed late on by Frede Schott and Carl Stonehewer.

Despite a modest starting average of 8.34, James is expected to be amongst the top riders in the Premier League this year. He has been seeded through to the semi-final of the British Championship in May.

Date of birth: 28/9/74, Paisley

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