Signing No 7: Talented Josh completes Scorpions’ septet

SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS have completed their side for 2016 – by signing talented teenager Josh Bailey as their No 7.

Under the regulations for the 2016 Premier League, each side must name a home-grown rider at No 7 on a 3.00 average who is eligible to ride in the National League.

18-year-old Bailey has spent two seasons riding for the King’s Lynn Young Stars in the National League, in which time he has progressed from a rookie to a rider who often top scored for his team in the second half of the 2015 season.

Among his notable performances was a 17-point score for King’s Lynn against a powerful Cradley Heath side, which helped the Young Stars to a 46-44 victory over the Heathens at the Norfolk Arena.

He also finished second in a recent Amateur meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey says: “Josh comes very highly recommended from Dale Allitt at King’s Lynn.

“We looked at his scores in the second half of 2015, and it’s clear he’s come on a bundle and is ready to be given a shot at Premier League racing.

“He deserves a chance and we’re delighted to give it to him.

“King’s Lynn is a flat-out track like our own Eddie Wright Raceway, and if he’s learnt the fastest way around the Norfolk Arena, then he’ll be fine around Scunthorpe as well.

“Not only that, but he also hit double figures around tracks as different as Birmingham, Stoke and Coventry.”

Godfrey is very much in favour of the rule that has seen the introduction of the likes of Josh to the Premier League.

He adds: “We had some good things come out of the BSPA AGM this year and this is one of them.

“The introduction of a rule along these lines is something I’ve been in support of, for a long while. It’s not a complete solution to just have one guaranteed spot in the team for a British youngster, but it’s a start.

“There’s also a bit of protection for these riders, in that they have to go out in both Heats 2 & 4, and so they have at least two rides against their opposite number.

“We’re sticking with the true spirit of the rule, and giving the chance to Josh, a genuine British youngster with no Premier League experience.

“To begin with, Josh will have Wilko (Carl Wilkinson) alongside him at reserve, and the way our team is built, Josh will always have a strong partner at reserve with him.

“Whoever is riding for us at No 6 will have the task of knocking up the points, while Josh at No 7 will have no pressure placed on his shoulders”, Godfrey concludes.

SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS 2016 (with starting average):
Josh Auty (8.00)
Zdenek Holub (7.00)
Ryan Douglas (6.68)
Alex Davies (6.26)
Taylor Poole (6.05)
Carl Wilkinson (5.33)
Josh Bailey (3.00)