As the end of the year approaches, the Edinburgh Evening News is staging its annual Sports Personality of the Year contest. Monarchs Captain Peter Carr is amongst the ten shortlisted candidates. Monarchs riders have done well in recent years with Peter Carr coming second in the contest in 1997. A year later Kenny McKinna nearly went one better when he was narrowly beaten into second place by Hearts manager Jim Jefferies. Last year it looked a good bet for Peter Carr but inexplicably he was not shortlisted. Hibs' midfield magician Russell Latapy was an easy winner in 1999.
This year the shortlist includes Stehen Payton (Paralympion), Katherine Graham (Rowing), David Huish (Golf), Duncan Hodge (Rugby), Angela Mudge (Mountain Racing), and Chris Hoy (Cycling). The serious contenders, apart from Peter Carr are footballers. Colin Cameron (Hearts) is not expected make much impression in an indifferent season. Hibs have two shortlisted candidates, captain Franck Sauzée and manager Alex McLeish.
While the Hibs pair probably start as favourites, the 'split vote' could allow another candidate in.
To vote for Peter Carr, telephone 0906 270 3408 and the vote will be registered automatically. Calls will cost no more than 25 pence per minute.
Peter Carr has been described as "one of the greatest Monarchs of all time" by John Campbell. Only the great Jack Young has scored a better home average than Carr in 2000. And that was in the year when Young was world champion and riding with Monarchs in the second division!
A win for Carr will do a lot to raise the profile of Speedway in the east of Scotland. So keep those votes coming in.