Smith signs for Sprockets.

Swindon Speedway have announced the acquisition of Darren Smith for their 2003 Pro-Fit Sprockets line-up.

Smith's career began in 1996, when he attended a training school at King's Lynn, followed by another at Sheffield, before making his official debut in the Conference League Knock-Out Cup final when he netted a single point.

He then represented his local side, Peterborough, in 1997 when under the shrewd management of Peter Oakes, the Thundercats stormed to the British Amateur League Championship. Listed amongst his team-mates in that glorious side were David Howe, Paul Clews, Simon Stead, Olly Allen and Ross Brady, with Darren's contribution being 54 points from 20 league matches for an average of 4.39.

The 1998 season saw Smith initially identified with Skegness, then later with King's Lynn Braves [when the promotion switched venues]. In total, he rode 14 league matches, taking 85 points - and increasing his average to 6.06 in the process.

But in 1999, appearances were few and far between, although he did represent three senior clubs, namely Newcastle (1 Premier National Trophy match and 1 Premier League fixture), Glasgow (1 Premier League match) and Peterborough (1 Craven Shield meeting).

Sadly, his season was marred by a broken leg suffered in a second-half crash at Sheffield, and having had pins inserted, he was to miss the entire 2000 campaign.

Making his track return in 2001, Smith regularly accompanied his brother to Somerset, taking to the fabulous Oak Tree Arena raceway for regular after-the-meeting practice spins. However, the road back was hard, and Darren was given few senior opportunities and only appeared in one Conference League Knock-Out Cup match for Somerset, plus a single Conference League meeting for Boston.

Last season, Darren made an early start to the campaign with Boston, eventually racing in 17 league matches for the Barracuda-Braves, and accumulating 87 points for an average of 5.80. The undoubted highlight of his year occurred in late June, when he scorched to a 12 point maximum in a league match against King's Lynn at the Norfolk Arena.

The operational rules also permitted Smith to represent Wolverhampton Wolf Cubs in 2002, and aside from one Knock-Out Cup match, he raced in seven Conference League Trophy matches for the Midlanders, netting 43 points to achieve an average of 5.68

"I was very impressed with what I saw of Darren last season when we rode against Wolverhampton in the Conference League Trophy," stated Promoter Peter Toogood. "I feel sure that he will develop in leaps and bounds with us, especially with younger brother Jamie in the senior Robins side to offer plenty of encouragement.

"Darren is very level-headed, holding extremely sensible views on the sport for one so young, and I feel he has a great future ahead of him," concluded Toogood.