SCUNTHORPE have revealed the shock signing of Josh Pickering.
The Scorpions announced that the Australian will be their new No.1 for the 2026 season.
It also confirms that the club will run in the Cab Direct Championship - and likely that British speedway will continue with two senior leagues.
Team manager David Howe stated: “I said in August that the sport would be facing a turbulent time and so it has proven.
“After last year, as a club we had to take a long hard look at things and decide what was best for the future. It has been a stressful period and both myself and Rob in particular have been working hard to get to where we feel excited about the sport again, we are there and signing Josh is a statement of intent from us.”
Pickering last rode in the second tier in 2024 for Edinburgh and now joins the club on a whopping 11-plus average.
He added: “The last time we had a rider with an average over 10, we won the KO Cup.
“I accept that 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 pits is what we need after quite a flat year in that regard.”
Scunthorpe had a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing bottom of the table.
Howe continued: “None of us want another year like last season, it was depressing and hard work for everyone and you could see it wore everyone down.
“Josh comes in on a high average so we have had to look at riders who we feel will improve their own average and I am quite happy with the balance of youth and experience in the team.
“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, we are looking behind the scenes on lots of ways to improve the own product.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.