Derek Sneddon has had a couple of chances recently to show what he can do at Armadale. Sneddon, who is Monarchs' number eight this year, had a surprise run out as reserve in the British Under-21 Final after several withdrawals due to injury. He had three races and didn't look out of place in a fairly high standard field. Then a week later he had a chance against the Czech touring team. With Ross Brady pulling out and rider replacement operating, Derek was named at number eight, but took all four of Brady's rides.
The doubts about the fitness of Brian Turner have led to speculation that Sneddon could be handed a reserve spot with Monarchs. Derek, who is seventeen, has recently signed a contract with Edinburgh after being on the fringes of things for a couple of years.
Derek, from Bo'ness arrived a Linlithgow in 1998 on the recommendation of the local 'boys in blue'!
Derek commented in the Edinburgh Pink:
"It was through the local police that I was introduced to speedway at the local Linlithgow track. I helped out at the circuit with grading and owner Alan Robertson invited me to have a go on the bikes. I had always been interested in motor bikes and this seemed an ideal opportunity to persue my interests further."
Derek didn't explain what brought him to the attention of the constabulary but he took his chance eagerly. Unfortunately Linlithgow were not involved in the Conference in 1998 and only ran with a series of 'open practice' individual events. It was at Armadale with the 'Dale Devils that Derek first attracted attention. The Youth Development League team had been running with captain Paul Taylor along with Steven Jones and Jitendra Duffill and used a variety of riders in the final place. Derek came along mid-season and really looked the part.
The Youth Development League fizzled out in 1999. Derek had a late start to the season, partially due to problems getting his licence sorted out. He came into the Linlithgow Lightning side towards the latter part of the season. He made fair progress but probably did not have the standard of equipment of the top Conference League riders.
Finance was at the root of this problem, as Derek explained:
"The machinery I was using was all supplied by Alan. I simply couldn't afford to do any more and with Linlithgow still trying to find a new home this has been a drawback. I have not been able to do as much racing as I would have liked."
"All I'm getting is the odd chance at number 8 with Edinburgh. However you are not always guaranteed to get a ride. Which is why I am hoping that Linlithgow will operate this year to give more continuity."
The late call up as reserve for the Under-21 Final was his biggest break to date.
"It was a bit of a shock. I turned up with as normal with my bike and was told I would not get out in the second half. Then Monarchs promoter John Campbell told me I would be riding in the meeting itself."
"To be honest I've never really likes Armadale as a track but I just had to get my head round it and told myself I could do it. I did and kept up with the riders I was racing against. I wasn't that far off the pace."
A week later the misfortune suffered by Ross Brady allowed Derek an meeting as number eight. Perhaps mindful of Brian Turners's injury, Derek was surprisingly given all for of Brady's rides against the Czechs. He rode quite well despite falling twice.
"In my first ride, it was purely nerves that caused me to come off. In my second I suffered a puncture. Me and Peter Carr were on for a 5-1 but my tyre suddenly blew. This made the bike high side me, it was bad luck as usual."
Derek's experience amounts to half a season in the Youth Development League in 1998 and half a season in the 1999 Conference League, perhaps six months in total. He would appreciate the chance to get some more racing in and find the number eight position rather frustrating.
"I want to get some more experience behind me to try and concentrate on making a go of things in the Premier League. I'd much prefer if I arrived at Armadale knowing for definate that I will be racing."
"You stand in the pits and it comes over the tannoy that you're racing. You have to bolt to your bike and get your helmet cover organized. You could plan more properly if you knew for certain you be definately racing."
The cost of maintaining equipment has proved a problem:
"I was out practising earlier this week and dropped a valve which has wrecked my engine. I had just spent £500 on my motor, and this will cost me another £400 to get it fixed. Trying to find sponsorship is a nightmare. Every penny goes into my bike."
Derek has made very good progress despite limited track experience:
"In the six months of racing I've been defeating guys I never thought I'd be able to beat. My progress has been quite quick and I'm not that far off the pace with people like Christian Henry, who is Monarchs' other reserve. It's just my starts I need to improve."
Monarchs promoter John Campbell said of Derek, an accomplished motorcyclist if raw in speedway:
"Everything is still pretty new to Derek simply because he has never heard about speedway. He is more appreciative now, and realizes to get on he must turn for practice sessions and is required to look after his bike."
"Although money is a problem for him, Derek certainly has to ability to string a few wins together.