Josh all set for return

JOSH AUTY, the No 1 rider for the FluidAir Power Scunthorpe Scorpions, supported by Henderson Insurance, is all set to return from injury for the Premier League clash against the Ipswich Witches at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Friday (July 17, 7.30pm).

Auty crashed out in Heat 10 of the Scunthorpe vs Rye House meeting on May 15, and suffered a broken hand, which has ruled him out of action for the last nine weeks.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Josh is definitely back on Friday.

“He nearly came back last week against Peterborough, but he was sensible about it, and gave himself another week.

“He’d had a practice spin around the Eddie Wright Raceway the previous Sunday and still suffering from some pain. Josh then had the pins and wire out of his hand last Wednesday, and immediately he felt better. He had a further practice around Scunthorpe after the Peterborough meeting, and he felt fine.

“It will fantastic to have Josh back. He’s such a quality act at Premier League level, and he’s always top entertainment value.

“Touchwood, we should finally be able to track a 1-7 of our own riders against Ipswich for the first time since April.”

Scunthorpe will be looking to follow up on last week’s thrilling 47-43 win over Peterborough, in which the Scorpions scored three 5-1s in the last three races, to score a stunning victory that toppled the Panthers from top place in the Premier League table.

* The Scorpions are also in action at Newcastle’s Brough Park this Sunday (July 19, 6.30pm).