SCOTT NICHOLLS - "IF THIS DOES TURN OUT TO BE MY LAST SEASON, I WANTED TO BE SOMEWHERE I FELT THAT I COULD REALLY CONTRIBUTE."

Veteran racer Scott Nicholls will once again don the Plymouth Gladiators race jacket this season, returning to the Coliseum after a campaign that left him eager for more.

After joining the club last year and quickly becoming a fan favourite, Nicholls was struck by the atmosphere around the team, the growing support from the stands, and the sense that Plymouth were building something special. With the Gladiators narrowly missing out on the playoffs, the experienced rider admits there is still plenty left to achieve – and he’s determined to help take the club to the next level.

Ahead of the new season, Nicholls sat down with the club to discuss his return, his ambitions for the year ahead, and what riding for Plymouth means to him.

What made you want to return to Plymouth for another season?

I really enjoyed my time down there last season. I loved the atmosphere with the management, the fans and everyone around the club. You could see things improving week on week.

To be honest, I felt like there was unfinished business. I think we were quite unlucky not to make the playoffs and if a few things had gone differently we probably would have been there. Making the playoffs would have been a brilliant achievement considering where the club was sitting when I joined.

How much did last season influence your decision to come back?

It played a big part. I was made to feel very welcome and it’s nice to be at a club where you feel wanted.

If this does turn out to be my last season, I wanted to be somewhere I felt I could really contribute. Plymouth felt like the right place for that.

What does riding for Plymouth mean to you personally?

It means a lot. I pride myself on doing the best I can wherever I ride.

I was really happy at Oxford and honestly thought I might finish my career there, but last season at Plymouth changed my perspective. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to give the club my full commitment this year, which shows how much it means to me.

Looking back at last season, what were your highlights?

There were a few moments, but the one that stands out was the last heat decider against Poole when we got the 5-1 in Heat 15.

Poole are such a strong team, so to pull that result off together meant a lot. The way the stadium erupted showed what it meant not just to us riders but to the fans too – and ultimately that’s who we’re racing for.

Is there anything from last year you’re keen to build on this season?

The main thing is helping take the club to another level. First and foremost we want to get Plymouth into the playoffs.

I think we’ve got a good team this year and the whole league looks very balanced. It’s also about continuing to build the connection between the riders, the club and the fans. The work being done with supporters, kids and social media has been fantastic and it’s great to see the club growing.

Are there any areas you’re focused on improving this season?

I’ve always been a terrible gater, so improving that would be nice!

But really it’s about being consistent and being the best I can be. I take a lot of pride in what I do and I never want to let anyone down – especially myself.

How did you spend your off-season away from racing?

I actually went to Australia and raced in four meetings, which is unusual for me as I haven’t done off-season racing for a long time.

Because I started last season late due to injury, I felt like I hadn’t really completed a full year. At my age opportunities like that might not come around again, so I grabbed it with both hands.

Aside from that it was just normal life – working full-time, getting out on my mountain bike as much as possible and spending time with friends and family.

What kind of preparation have you been doing over the winter?

At this stage of my career things are a bit different compared to when I was chasing Grand Prix titles. Back then the winters were full of strict training regimes, research and preparation.

Now the off-season is more about recharging. The bikes get built properly, the equipment is sorted, and as the season gets closer you start focusing more on getting yourself physically ready again.

How excited are you to get back racing at the Coliseum?

I’m really looking forward to it. The changes Mark made to the track last year made a big difference – widening it and learning how best to prepare it really improved the racing.

I’m excited to get back there, put in strong home performances and give the fans something to cheer about.

What are your personal goals for the new season?

Just to be the best I can be and do the best job possible for the team.

Danny is coming in as number one and I’ve known him a long time – he’s a good lad. If I finished the season as number one that would be great, but it’s not something I’m chasing. For me it’s about working as a team and helping the side succeed.

What do you think this team is capable of achieving this year?

I believe we can definitely make the playoffs. There are some strong teams in the league, but it’s not always about what things look like on paper.

Team spirit, work ethic and the connection between riders, management and fans all play a big part. If we get that right, anything is possible.

What message would you like to send to the Plymouth fans ahead of the season?

Just keep doing what you’re doing. The support is amazing.

You see Plymouth fans travelling to places like Berwick and Edinburgh and that’s incredible – it reminds me of the old days of the sport. Stick with us, especially when things aren’t going right, because that support really does make a difference.

The Coliseum is such an intimate stadium and the fans can genuinely be the eighth member of the team. I can’t wait to get back out there and hopefully give them plenty to cheer about.