EDINBURGH’S Josh Pickering is enjoying Australia crushing England in The Ashes and now wants to hit rivals for six at Armadale.
The Oz hot prospect has re-signed for the Monarchs after a hugely promising first season at the capital club.
Now he wants to push on in the UK after a vital second place in the New South Wales title. He said: “I’m in a good place. I got a really important runner-up position in the state title which guaranteed my visa for Europe for the next two years.
“That also saved me having to race in Brisbane and then possible Victoria to achieve that visa criteria. That could have been an extra 40 hours of driving.
“I was just happy to get second place, the top four was what I needed and I achieved that. So instead of all the driving I’m getting to watch The Ashes.
“I’m loving it right now. We’ve got the upper hand so we need to keep it going. But there’s nothing like winning.”
Pickering, 21, produced several exciting performances for the Monarchs in 2017 and represented the young Roos in the World Under-21 Cup.
He’s delighted to be back at Armadale again because he admits to liking the “settled” feeling. He added: “I always wanted to return to Edinburgh. I was made to feel very welcome and I was grateful for the way I was treated. I think promoter John Campbell was patient with me at times when I had a dry patch.
“I was happy with my first year. I don’t think I ended the year quicker but certainly a smarter rider. It was a big learning curve.
“Being away from the family is harder than people think. FaceTime is the best invention ever because it allows me to speak to my dad every day and that helps if you are going through a tough patch.
“My friends back home don’t know anything about speedway so it’s a great escape but I don’t have that in the UK.
“My girlfriend Brooke will come with me again and it’s good we are returning to Edinburgh because it’s familiar surroundings and she has friends there.
“If I’m settled off track it allows me to concentrate on racing. I had a target to achieve a five-point average last season and I did that, now I’m aiming for at least six in 2018.
“I’d also love a Premiership team place and for more experience racing for Australia. The big tracks in Europe suited me really well. I’ve got big goals and I can’t wait to get back. But I’m loving The Ashes right now, that’s keeping me smiling.”
Article: PHIL LANNING
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