Tero back for Scorpions

EDDIE WRIGHT RACEWAY track specialist Tero Aarnio will return to Scunthorpe in 2022.

The 37-year-old Finn will slot in as third heat-leader. He joins Simon Lambert, Jordan Palin, Zaine Kennedy and Ryan Kinsley in the side, with Scorpions left with only their top two riders to announce.

He returned for his third spell as a Scorpion in 2021, having previously rode at the North Lincolnshire club from 2010 to 2012 and again in 2017.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey explains: “When Dave Peet (team manager) and I looked through our meetings from 2021, we noticed we seemed to struggle whenever Tero was missing. Every time he was there at home, he was a banker for points.

“Like Simon Lambert, Tero is very determined and he feels he’s got unfinished business at Scunthorpe. He very much wants to stay with us and that’s a big part of it.”

Aarnio last appeared for Attis Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions this year in August and was then ruled out from the rest of the season with visa issues.

Godfrey adds: “We will apply for a sportsman’s visa for Tero, like we do with the Australians, and we don’t see any issues with that going forward at all.

“I believe that he just has Denmark next season other than the UK. He wants Britain and Scunthorpe to be his focus next year.”

Godfrey admits he is expecting more from Aarnio away from the Eddie Wright Raceway.

“The starting point for a successful team is to keep winning at home. But, at the same time, we know it’s away from home where we need to improve as a team.

“Tero has been told he needs to get going when it comes to his away performances, and he’s been working hard in Finland to be able to invest in his equipment.”

Scorpions will announce their top two next Thursday in what Godfrey promises will be a “superb Christmas present for our loyal and faithful supporters.”