Monarchs rider Matt Williamson to take break from speedway

Matt Williamson has been suffering stress. Pic: Ron MacNeill

The 25-year-old who was signed from Workington, has decided to take a break from the sport due to stress.

Williamson explained: “At this moment, my head is messed up and I just need some time away. It’s been a really hard process for me but I have been getting myself that stressed out and wound up I have been making myself physically sick.”

Williamson added that machine problems and associated costs have added to his difficulties.

”One of my engines went at Peterborough and then on Lakeside on Saturday.

“After the meeting, I drained the engine and found that one of the valves had snapped up and was rattling around the engine. God knows how much that will cost to fix, so everything is on top of me at the moment.”

Williamson continued: “I need a break to get happy again. I cannot understand what is happening. I had a good meeting at Glasgow to start with. I scored eight points which continued my form of last season. But since then my highest score has been five which is not good enough. It doesn’t matter how hard I try nothing is going right for me at the moment.

“It’s not doing me any good and it’s making me look bad on the track.

“It’s not doing the team any good either and I can see the frustration in the team, the management, and the fans.

“I’m not a quitter, I’m not saying that. I’m simply struggling with speedway and need to get myself back together and discover my love of racing again.”

Monarchs team manager Alex Harkess said: “I’m not surprised. Matt has been struggling for a couple of weeks now. He had two engine blow outs at out last two away matches and financially life was difficult for him.

“Moves are underway to replace him. We have several candidates in mind but nothing more than that at the moment.”