Picko aims for glory in two huge meetings

JOSH PICKERING is fired-up for a glorious end to the season after watching his Aussie pals win the World Cup.

The flying star will feature in successive huge meetings live on BSN this weekend.

His Scunthorpe side take on Glasgow tomorrow night (Friday) in the first leg of their Cab Direct Championship play-off at the Eddie Wright Raceway. 

Then he is the red-hot favourite to pick-up his second Championship Riders’ title at Owlerton on Saturday night. 

Picko, 29, admits he’s been inspired by watching the green and gold take the World Cup in Warsaw. 

He revealed: “I’m proud as punch to be an Aussie. I’m very happy for (Jason) Doyley and Max (Fricke) is one of my great mates. 

“I’ve raced with Brady my whole life and Dougie’s recent form got him there and Rohan is also one of my best mates. 

“As much as I’m happy for them, I also wish it could be me. I’m glad that they won.”

The Aussie is clearly enjoying his time at the Eddie Wright Raceway and has led the Scorpions to the play-offs to face Glasgow in a big first leg. 

He said: “I really have enjoyed working with Rob, Gail and the rest of the team. They are a close knit group and Rob wants to win as much as I do. 

“We have raised a few eyebrows. I always felt we could be fighting for a final position. That was always the goal. 

“I’m pleased we are in a good position to give back to the people at Scunny. The job’s not done.”

Pickering could also become the first Scunthorpe star to win the second tier riders’ title in its 55-year history. 

He added: “I am very good at Sheffield, I’ve proved that over the past few seasons. Anything can happen on the night. 

“But you’ve got to be on it. It’s not going to be an easy meeting, it’s going to be quite the opposite. 

“I’m confident that if the CLRC was hosted at any track in Britain, the form that I’m in, I could win it anywhere. 

“I do have that extra edge riding at Sheffield. I’m going to use that to my advantage. 

“But I’m going into it with a level head. The goal is no different than what it was in 2024 when I won it at Redcar. I feel I am a much better rider since then and much more consistent.” 

Image by Taylor Lanning.