SCORPIONS SEAL PICKERING DEAL

SCUNTHORPE have pulled off the stunning signing of Australian star Josh Pickering as their new No.1 for the 2026 season.

The Scorpions have just completed a tough campaign in which they finished bottom of the Cab Direct Championship, but they have confirmed they will be back at the tapes next spring and have done so with a major statement of intent.

Pickering spent seven seasons at that level with Edinburgh but did not race in the second tier in 2025, and he will now join the Scorpions on an 11-plus average.

Team manager David Howe said: “The last time we had a rider with an average over 10, we won the KO Cup. OK, I accept that Dougy (Ryan Douglas) gained that improvement over the year but he was high to start with.

“What he did give us was points in those big races and set the tone for a meeting, and Josh will do just the same.

“On top of that, Josh’s personality mirrors his riding style. He wants to win, and the help and knowledge he will bring to the pits is what we need after quite a flat year in that regard.

“It’s big day for the club and I hope the fans can see that we want to provide a winning team but also an enjoyable, entertaining night out at speedway.”