Each year since his death in March 2017, the Highland Classic Two-Day Trial has awarded the ‘Derek J. Edgar Trophy’ for the oldest finisher in the event.
The trophy was gifted to the Inverness & District MCC by Mrs. Theresa Edgar, Derek’s widow – but who was Derek J. Edgar?
Derek was the younger son of Norman Edgar who was joint proprietor of Edinburgh motorcycle dealers, Edgar Brothers. His older brother is Norman F.W. Edgar, former Scottish Six Days Trial Clerk of Course and himself a three times Scottish Trials Champion, who has observed at the Highland Classic since 2015. His Sons, Stuart and Ross and Grandson, Callum compete in the Highland Classic.
Derek left school and became an apprentice motorcycle mechanic under his Uncle, Frank Edgar in the family run business. He took up trials riding at 16 years of age and rode in several Scottish Six Days Trials, riding DMW, Bultaco, Puch, AJS (which he helped develop) and Honda machinery. He went on to work for Steyr-Daimler Puch at their Graz factory in Austria and then Montesa in the USA.
Derek became an accomplished medal winner at the International Six Days Trial riding Puch, AJS and Ossa machines.
Previous winners of the Derek J. Edgar Trophy:
2018: Neil Walker
2019: Neil Walker
2021: Neil Walker
2022: Keith Gardner
2023: Alexander Carmichael
2024: Nick Jefferies