One former Comet replaces another in the first official team fixture of the 2026 season.
Scunthorpe host BSN Series holders Redcar at the Eddie Wright Raceway today (3pm) with the Bears having to line up without skipper Charles Wright.
Ex-Workington rider Wright suffered shoulder injuries in Friday’s home opener against Newcastle, and another former Workington rider, Kyle Howarth, steps in to guest at No.1.
They were never actually team-mates at Derwent Park with Wright riding 2007-2009 and 2011 while Howarth was there from 2012-2015 with both going on to have very good careers in the sport.
The Scorpions have made four changes from last year with Josh Pickering joining as captain and No 1, whilst Nathan Ablitt and Michael Palm Toft return to the club and youngster Ryan Ingram makes his debut at reserve.
Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “It’s the first official team meeting of the year in Britain so hopefully we attract a bit of attention and a decent crowd to get the ball rolling.
“The weather looks alright, and it’s always a top-notch meeting between Scorpions and Redcar at the Eddie Wright Raceway.
“People have said to me in the past, ‘we need Josh Pickering here at Scunny’ and now he is, so let’s support him because he will be Mr Entertainment. Josh loves our track and we know now we have a rider capable of winning the big races in Heats 13 and 15.
“We’ve pegged our admission prices to the same as last season and we will aim to serve up a cracking season of action for the paying public.”
The Scorpions have retained the services of two former Woirkington riders in Simon Lambert and Luke Harrison.
Scunthorpe: Josh Pickering, Nathan Ablitt, Luke Harrison, Connor Mountain, Michael Palm Toft, Simon Lambert, Ryan Ingram.
Redcar: Kyle Howarth, Jake Mulford, Jordan Jenkins, Jason Edwards, Jake Allen, Ace Pijper, Jody Scott.
