NEIL Hewitt's life turned upside down in a split second. From being one of Britain's brightest speedway prospects, the 24-year-old is now consigned to a wheelchair for the rest of his life following a crash 12 months ago.

Neil is convinced that fate took a hand for the Glasgow-based rider was placed in the fateful heat only for experience as the match was won and points did not matter.

Previously, Neil had ridden the track and bend at Armadale many times without even the hint of problems but this time his machine hit a bump and his forks reared upwards. The rider tried to force them down but he crashed to the shale and as he did so his legs reared up and on landing he was run over by another rider.

Neil, even in his semi-conscious state, knew it was a serious injury but he has not let his condition affect either his love of the shale sport or his life.

The former Edinburgh Ziebart Monarchs rider attends as many of the club's meetings as he can and has immersed himself in the junior development programme.

His dream is to produce a rising star who can aspire to great things as well as keeping his beloved Monarchs supplied with a steady stream of fresh, raw talent.

He has moved into other fields to fill the gap in his life for he is heavily involved in a number of sports and recently participated in a special tournament for wheelchair athletes at England's world-famous Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

The affable Scot also works at a busy Linlithgow-based tyre and exhaust fitter but, despite his hectic life, today will be difficult as it is the first anniversary of the crash.

He said: ''I do believe fate took a hand that night at Armadale. We were winning the meeting against Scarborough comfortably so the management offered me a ride in a heat I would not normally have contested.

''They did it with the best of intentions to give me experience but the rest, as they say, is history and I've just got to get on with my life the best I can now.''

Neil, who zips around Scotland in a sporty Peugeot, added: ''I try to keep myself busy and I'm really keen to develop young riding talent in Scotland.

''The Premier League club plan to create a meaningful competition for novice young riders who would race in the second half of senior race nights on a regular bases.

''The idea is to have the youngsters go on tour with the big clubs and this will allow them to show their talent before a big audience.

''It also gives speedway fans far more of an interest in the second half of meetings which can sometimes fall a little flat.''

He bears no bitterness concerning his condition and said: ''Naturally, I'd love to be out there with the guys racing for Monarchs but obviously that's not possible now.

''However, this is how I am and all I can do is get on with my life but I am really keen to develop the sport as best I can.''

Producing a new Scottish champion would make Neil smiles better, but he said: ''I'm welcome in the pits at Armadale and everyone is so kind but that's no substitute for racing.''