Signing No 2: Taylor-made signing for Scorpions

EDDIE WRIGHT RACEWAY track expert Taylor Poole is the second rider announced for the 2016 Scunthorpe Scorpions.

His return to British speedway after a season’s absence is dependent on the 23-year-old Australian gaining a work permit, by finishing in the top four of his state championship.

But Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey is confident that the former Stoke, Ipswich and Sheffield rider will clear that hurdle and join the Scorpions.

Godfrey says: “Taylor Poole is an ambitious young rider, who is very keen to return to British Speedway after a year out, and his record around the Eddie Wright Raceway speaks for itself. I’m sure he’ll fit in very well at Scunthorpe.

“As for the work permit situation, I don’t want our fans to worry too much about it, because I’m confident he can clear that hurdle. He’s perfectly capable of finishing in the top four of his state championship.

“The lad was unfortunate at Sheffield at 2014. He was starting to absolutely fly for the Tigers, but then suffered a broken leg that not only put him on the sidelines and stopped his chance of reaching a 7.00 figure that season, but also prevented him from riding in his Australian state championship to get back in.

“Our fans don’t need to worry about him being rusty, because he’s been riding in Australia and performing well.”

The Scorpions lost seven times in front of their own fans in 2015, matching the combined figure of home defeats in the three seasons previous to that. Godfrey wants the Eddie Wright Raceway to become a fortress again in 2016.

He adds: “One of the cornerstones of building a successful side is putting together a team which that will win your home meetings.

“I’m sure our fans can remember Taylor having some superb meetings around Scunthorpe just as well as I can.

“It will become more obvious as we announce more names, but we’re building our team for next season with strength in depth in mind, with plenty of riders who can knock up large scores around our track, and always with one big hitter at reserve. Taylor will be starting the season in a second string position.”

Poole won the Australian Under-21 Championship in 2012, and is the son of former rider Mick Poole.

The Scorpions will announce their third rider next Thursday.