MARK PLUMMER catches up with Sam Masters in his latest Friday Feature. They talk about Edinburgh's magnificent start to the season and the Aussie talent's return to British racing . . .
ALL those associated with the Edinburgh Monarchs could be forgiven for wearing smiles as wide as the Forth Road Bridge right now.
The Monarchs have launched the new season in record-breaking fashion by reeling off eight successive victories "“ four of which have come against fierce Scottish rivals Glasgow.
The Tigers were tamed in both legs of the Air Fence Challenge before being condemned to two more heavy defeats in the Premier League Cup last weekend.
Edinburgh have also made light work of Workington and Berwick to blitz the Border group, taking 20 out of a possible 21 league points. The only minor blot on a brilliant copybook was failing to get all four points in a 47-43 victory at Berwick.
It is the club's best-ever start to a season and they are now homing in on a club record 10 successive victories.
But what is the secret to their success? Well, it appears there isn't one . . .
"We've all got the same tuner doing us big engines," jokes Masters with tongue firmly in cheek.
"No, in all seriousness, I don't think there is any secret to it. We have the best number one in the league in Craig Cook, the best captain in the league in Derek Sneddon and a lot of other guys all chipping in and riding well.
"We haven't really thought too much about the run of wins. We just want to keep it going for as long as we can. It is a case of going out on the track, having fun and hopefully score some points.
"You go through the programme and we have a strong pairing in every race. Our form is probably starting to get inside the heads of our opponents."
And Masters could be forgiven for enjoying the current Edinburgh success more than most.
He had to wait a year longer than expected to line up for the Scottish capital club after being denied entry into the UK for the 2013 season.
Masters was one of a number of Australian riders caught up in visa problems and was left with no alternative other than to put his career on hold.
But he is now making up for lost time as Edinburgh begin their challenge for a fourth Premier League title in little more than a decade when they entertain Sheffield at Armadale tonight (Friday).
"I'm trying to make the most of being back racing after having to take a year off," added Masters, the 2011 Premier League Riders' champion.
"I've been a little bit rusty in the first few meetings, but I've been scoring points and helping the team to wins so I can't be disappointed.
"They say everything happens for a reason though and hopefully last year will be the only hold-up I have in my career.
"The year went pretty quick back home even though it wasn't where I wanted to be.
"I'm a motorbike mechanic by trade so found some work doing that while I was back in Australia. I also had a job at a warehouse of one of my sponsors.
"I did a dozen-or-so meetings and a bit of moto-cross whenever I could, but it is nothing compared to having 70 or 80 meetings in a full season in the UK and Europe.
"I think riders can be forgotten pretty quickly in speedway so I'm really thankful to Edinburgh for sticking by me and hiring me for this year.
"It was so sweet when the plane landed over here and I knew I could get my career going again.
"I just don't know why it is so hard for the Aussie guys to get a visa now. We come here to work and pay tax.
"I'm hoping I can pick up a doubling-up ride in the Elite League at some point in the season or find a place abroad."
You could be forgiven for thinking the Scottish climate wouldn't exactly sit well with a man used to the rather more pleasant climes of the sun-drenched east coast of Australia.
But Masters has no complaints. "The sun is out today, so it is just like being in Oz . . . well until I stick my hand out of the window anyway!"
He will no doubt be hoping the sun continues to shine on a team tipped to challenge for plenty of honours in the second tier of the sport.
