By John Walsh

Last updated 11:43, Tuesday, 24 June 2008

CARL Stonehewer rubbed shoulders with some of the top names in speedway again when he contested Steve Johnston’s testimonial meeting at Coventry.

A big pal of Johnston’s when they were both forging their careers, he was one of the first names on the guest list.

But Stoney, who has been riding at the top of his form for Workington Comets over the last fortnight since coming back from injury, only managed three third places in his five rides.

Scott Nicholls won the event with a five-ride maximum, pipping former world champion Jason Crump (14). Leigh Adams took third (13) and Rory Schlein (11) just pipped former Comet and Derwent Park track record holder Simon Stead (10) for fourth place.

Afterwards Johnston paid tribute to Coventry’s stadium owner Avtar Sandhu after a hugely successful testimonial meeting.

He said: “It was a great gesture from Sandhu, true to his word allowing me to stage the meeting here even though I don’t ride for Coventry now. I’d like to thank everyone for their support.”

Meanwhile Stoney’s successor in the number one race jacket at Workington, Swedish star Daniel Nermark has been named in the field for the Keyline Scottish Open Championship on August 1 at Edinburgh’s Armadale Stadium. Nermark won the meeting last year when he was with King’s Lynn and says he is pleased to accept the booking to return to Armadale and defend his title.

Good form or not, he will not find it easy because the intention is to put a strong field together for the event.

For the first time for many years, all the home riders are to be included and promoter John Campbell: “They are all going so well it would not be fair to leave any of them out.

“It’s great to have the holder back but there will also be some other big name visitors in contention, assuming the invitations now issued are accepted.

Names will be announced as the acceptances are received.”

Edinburgh are very much the team in form and are strongly tipped now to go all the way in the League, which is why they are in line for a live TV appearance.

Campbell, annoyed at the lack of recognition for his side from Sky Sports pundits, has confirmed talks are taking place.

He said: “Providing we can put everything in place, Sky will come. They approached us, it’s in our hands to make it happen. Hopefully I will have confirmation of the fixture to be covered by this time next week.”

The Monarchs, of course, still have to arrange a date for their Knockout Cup semi-final with Workington Comets and that would be a tasty confrontation to put in front of the tv cameras – although there has been no confirmation from Edinburgh that is the meeting he has in mind.

Last night they reached the final of the Premier Trophy, so the home leg of that will also be a possibility for the cameras.

They showed how strong they are by holding Reading to a 46-44 losing margin which meant they won comfortably 100-82 on aggregate after their big home win.