HOWE’S THAT FOR A START

SCUNTHORPE manager David Howe has heaped praise on reserve Nathan Ablitt for his opening performance of the season on Friday.

Ablitt, who is starting his second year with the Scorpions, scored 12 points from five rides in the BSN Series victory over Redcar, including three race wins.

And Howe believes the 20-year-old could give the team real strength in the lower order alongside developing youngster Luke Harrison.

Howe said: “It was a team performance, but I can’t help but pick out Nathan’s performance, because if you think of the Nathan we signed last year to the one we saw on Friday against Redcar, he’s come so far.

“We knew it was coming – you could see by the end of last season, and also I could see it by watching him practice pre-season.

“When I gave Nathan the injury rider replacement ride in Heat 9, I told him: ‘You’re not in this because you’re fit, you’re in it because you’ve earnt it.’ He’s a great ace up our sleeve at reserve.

“Luke isn’t under any pressure at all. He did very well, scoring paid five. But we can work with him, to see what changes he can make so that he can make some decent starts. We know he’s going to be a great asset to the team.”

Pictured: Luke Harrison and Nathan Ablitt. Photo credit: IAN RISPIN